Transformação
A transformação é o fruto natural de uma vida entregue a Deus. Ele não nos deixa como nos encontra — renova nossa mente, purifica nosso caráter e nos conforma à imagem de Cristo.
O chamado ao arrependimento
A transformação começa com o arrependimento genuíno. Deus convida cada pessoa a voltar-se para Ele de todo o coração e receber vida nova.
From that time Jesus began to preach, and [to] say, Do ye penance, for the kingdom of heavens shall come nigh [or the realm of heaven hath nighed].
And Peter said to them, Do ye penance, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, into remission of your sins; and ye shall take the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Therefore be ye repentant, and be ye converted, that your sins be done away, that when the times of refreshing shall come from the sight of the Lord,
and carve ye your hearts, and not your clothes, and be ye turned again to your Lord God, for he is benign, and merciful, patient, and of much mercy, and abiding, either forgiving, on malice.
Renovação da mente
Paulo nos exorta a não nos conformar com o mundo, mas a sermos transformados pela renovação do entendimento. A mudança vem de dentro para fora.
And do not ye be conformed to this world, but be ye reformed in newness of your wit, that ye prove which is the will of God, good, and well pleasing, and perfect.
And all we that with open face see the glory of the Lord, be transformed into the same image, from clearness into clearness, as of the Spirit of the Lord.
Therefore slay ye your members, which be on the earth, fornication, uncleanness, lechery, evil covetousness, and avarice, which is service of maumets [or simulacra];
Os frutos da transformação
Uma vida transformada produz o fruto do Espírito: amor, alegria, paz, paciência, benignidade, bondade, fidelidade, mansidão e domínio próprio.
But the fruit of the Spirit is charity, joy, peace, patience, long abiding, benignity, [or good will], goodness, mildness, faith,
temperance, continence, chastity; against such things is no law.
But, brethren, I beseech you, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all say the same thing, and that dissensions, [or schisms, or divisions, or discords], be not among you; but be ye perfect in the same wit, and in the same knowing.
And the Lord address your hearts, in the charity of God, and in the patience of Christ.
And while that we were sick after the time, what died Christ for wicked men?
but he that drinketh of the water that I shall give him, shall not thirst without end; but the water that I shall give him, shall be made in him a well of water, springing up into everlasting life.