November 1: FROM FAITH TO FAITH (part 2)

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image, from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18

In the “love chapter” Paul famously mentions a mirror: For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face… (1 Corinthians 13:12). At that time, mirrors were made by polishing pieces of metal. The reflection was not what we are accustomed to today, just a dim reflection. It is actually a blessing that our glimpses of the Lord’s glory are only dim ones. In our current sinful condition, the brightness of the glory of God would bring instant death! (see Exodus 33:20; 2 Thessalonians 2:8)

At the heart of the gospel is the Good News of transformation. Martin Luther didn’t know it yet, but the Lord was at work in his young life: a transformation was underway that would launch the Reformation of the church toward its intended state of readiness for His return.

At the monastery, Martin found a Bible chained to a wall. He had been assigned a lengthy list of menial tasks, which included going begging from house to house (he’d done that before as a child). He reasoned that these humiliations were necessary because of his sin, and therefore endured them patiently. But at every moment of opportunity, he studied that chained Bible. His interest in the bread of life was so intense that he often sacrificed sleep and even begrudged the time it took to consume the meager meals at the monastery. In living up to the assignments of drudgery laid upon him, his only delight being the study of God’s word, Martin’s health was weakened and he began to have fainting spells. Fortunately, a godly friend led him to shift a greater focus onto Jesus, the pardoning Savior, moving it off of himself. During this time, Martin’s perception of God was changing from torturous thoughts of a stern judge and a cruel tyrant to His true identity as a kind heavenly Father and a Savior who forgives and cleanses. The fear he had held toward God was changing from terror to a reverent fear; a fear of offending One so kind and mighty, so powerful yet tender and loving toward His creatures.

The transformation of sanctification brought about by God’s Holy Spirit is offered to all. This preparation for beholding Him in His full glory is essential for salvation. He is at work in the hearts of individuals to plant the seed of faith, and help it onto a never-ending course of growth. It is the glory of God to plant the seed of His glory within each of us, and His joy to behold an increasingly brighter glory—reflecting His own image—as the metamorphosis continues its progression within the heart of everyone truly seeking Him. Faith to faith and glory to glory! The growing Christian will seek to come into full agreement with God.

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able to subdue all things to Himself. Philippians 3:20-21