Gospel

Inner Transfiguration?

by Roland Crim
09/28/19
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After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant. Mark 9:2-10 NIV

One definition of transfiguration speaks of an outward transformation. This is certainly magnified in the above passage. The Heavenly Father wanted there to be no doubt in the disciples present that Jesus had been transfigured before their eyes.

Another definition of transfiguration relates giving a new appearance, which might be spiritual. Did you know this means that those who truly turn their lives over to Jesus Christ experience an inner transfiguration? Sure, it might not be as magnificent or eye catching as the transfiguration of our Lord, yet it is truly important to the believer in Christ. People should notice a change in the person who gives themselves to the Lord. Actions and words are different from the believer before his acceptance of Christ. This is the result of the mystery of the Holy Spirit working within the believer. Submitting to the Holy Spirit will truly result in an inner transfiguration. Jesus’ transfiguration was viewed by three of His disciples. The inner transfiguration of the believer can be seen by any who knew the believer prior to being born again. To accept Christ one must submit to Him and His will. Do so and be transfigured internally.