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)
For whom he did
foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son,
that he might be the firstborn among many brethren; Rom. 8: 29.
Metamorphosis in a believer’s life is the most important transformative journey which involves complete change in the inward nature of the man. This internal renewal in the person affects the person as a whole. Romans 12: 2, teaches us how to be transformed by renewal of our mind and not to be conforming to the patterns of this world. This is not a superficial thing but a radical reorientation inwardly for the person.
Neuroscience studies have shown repeatedly, when we focus on good, our brains
literally rewires itself to look for
more good. This is called neuroplasticity. This is not motivation but indeed
science related to our nervous system.
Fish can swim, and birds can fly without lessons, because it is built within them to do so. Similarly man is created to worship God, with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength, because it is built within us. This is the built in system, designed for success in whatever work we do. Wrong environment, and friendships can completely destroy this well- meant wiring by God. There is hope for the fallen man, for glorious transformation. This is achieved through the work of God, on the cross by Jesus Christ, to get His image! This process which has to be continual throughout life is called Biblical metamorphosis.
This is an act of intelligent worship, deciding
to yield our entire self to God, in Christ Jesus.
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