Metanoia vs. Metamorphosis
Strong's Greek: 3341. μετάνοια (metanoia) --
Repentance
Strong’s Greek 3341, most often translated “repentance,” expresses a Spirit‐wrought reorientation of mind and heart that issues in a …[i]
Meta in Greek means
beyond; and Nous mean mind. We have to
understand these two Greek words and their meanings.
Metanoia in Greek, translates to “repentance,” but its meaning goes much deeper than one can think and understand. From the Biblical stand point, metanoia signifies more than just feeling sorry for one’s sins. It is more deeper and it embodies a profound change of heart and mind. Heart can think and so also our brain. So the thought process play a significant role here. Metanoia signifies a profound transformation that goes beyond mere regret, indicating a complete reorientation of one's thinking, values, and behavior.
Strong's Greek: 3339. μεταμορφόω (metamorphoó) -- To
transform, to ...
Strong’s Greek 3339 charts a movement from sight of divine glory to sharing in that glory. It anchors sanctification in Christ’s own …[ii] The term "metamorphosis" in Greek is derived from the word "metamorphóō" (μεταμορφόω), which means "to transform" or "to change form."
Strong's Greek: 3339. μεταμορφόω (metamorphoó) - Bible Hub The verb μεταμορφόω describes a profound, visible change that proceeds from an inward reality, never a mere external disguise. Each …[iii]
And be
not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your
mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of
God; Rom. 12: 2.
The above verse warns us of the “world system”: the popular culture and manner of thinking that is in rebellion against God. The system around us will try to conform us to its ungodly pattern. The most important thing for eternal life, this process must be resisted.
Not wanting to be conformed to this world, and wanting to be transformed is a huge step in one’s thought process. How do we do it? Life by feeling will never know the transforming power of God, because it ignores the renewing of the mind. Knowing theology is different from living a life of what theology says! For symbol of transformation and new life; a good example would be the butterflies!
The
ancient Greek word metamorphoo – describing a metamorphosis. The
same word is used to describe Jesus in His transfiguration;
And after six days Jesus taketh with him
Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by
themselves: and he was transfigured before them. And
his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth
can white them; Mk. 9: 2-3.
This is a glorious
transformation!
But we all, with open
face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same
image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord; 2 Cori. 3: 18.
In light of all this mercy – past, present, and future – Paul begs us to present your bodies a living sacrifice. “We must believe that these Divine mercies have persuasive powers over our wills.” (Newell)
This is an act of intelligent worship, deciding
to yield our entire self to God, in Christ Jesus.
