Taproot Church

Means of Transformation

Things change. By things I mean physical, social, emotional, and all the other “al” words that describe existence. It all changes. Sometimes things change for good and sometimes not so good. Some things easily ebb and flow other things are extremely resistant to any sort of change at all. The means that bring about change sometimes appears gentle, subversive, and subtle while at other times the actions seem violent, painful, and aggressive.
I’d have to say that my experience as a fallen human being fits the category of “extremely resistant” to any change whatsoever. The gospel, of course, is the means by which fallen humanity is transformed into the image of it’s Creator. This is no small change by the way. This is life altering, soul transforming, mind bending change, and we resist it vehemently.
Theologically speaking the means of Gospel transformation are gentle, subversive, subtle, even passive. You know the cliques, “Believe and be saved” “Trust the Lord”, “Get under the spout where the glory pours out.” These statements on the surface seem so simple, so easy, so non-transformational. The reality is though that upon the adoption of these statements as one’s own the means by which gospel transformation truly happens feels violent, painful, and aggressive.
Solomon would say “Iron sharpens iron” conjuring up images of sparks and sounds of clanging elements. Visions of violent, painful, aggressive transformation.
The paradox of gospel transformation though is under the sovereign, crucified, hand of God what feels violent, painful, and aggressive could not be any more gentle nor careful. As sparks fly in our lives and the core elements of our souls beat up against one another, beat up against circumstances and issues, it is not haphazard. It is exact, precise, and perfect.
Through the gospel and God’s means of transformation, our assurance is that one day we will be as He is and this remains the hope that keeps us banging around off this thing called life with joy, passion, and peace.

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