Metamorphosis

One of my favorite verses is 2Corinthians 3:18...
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.
A clear and concise paraphrase of this verse is that as we approach to divine presence of
our Savior and Redeemer, we see His nature/characteristics revealed in greater and
greater fullness. The second truth revealed in this simple verse is His nature changes our
nature into His likeness through a miraculous process similar in nature to the process of
metamorphosis. We go in like a worm and come out like a butterfly. The transformation,
when complete, is amazing... the new likeness bearing no resemblance to the old image.
This process of spiritual metamorphosis is directed by the Lord Himself.
Coupled with this truth is this verse... John 6:44...
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him; and I will raise
him up at the last day.
Also, John 12:32...
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto me.
This is the privileged position each and every child of God is called to... to go through
this spiritual metamorphosis process during our time we have been blessed with on this
earth. Part of that process involves the trials and adversities we face in every day life, as
well as all the stress and straining that comes with it. We have a hope set before us; the
image of the Divine First-Born Son of God, toward which we are drawn, like a giant
electro-magnet, closer and closer toward Him. This process continues as long as we dwell
on this earth. The opposite and opposing force is called "drawing back". Hebrews chapter
10 speaks clearly to this force... verse 38 and 39...
Now the just shall live by faith; but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure
in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to
the saving of the soul.
The context of these verses has to do with the amazing conflict of the ages; the conflict
between the deficiencies of the Law, and the all-sufficiency of the blood of Jesus Christ,
our Messiah. This is the living hope which has been prophesied throughout all the history
of mankind, but revealed to us in the closing days of this earthly kingdom. Here is the
hope of all glory (Col 1:27)... it is Christ's resurrection life and power dwelling in us here
and now... see 2 Corinthians 5:17...
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away,
behold, all things are become new.
It all starts as the God and Father of us all draws us toward the presence of our Lord and
Savior... to look upon His face, and to share intimately with Him. James chapter 4 and
verse 8 says this...
Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and
purify your hearts, ye double minded.
It all starts with God the Father. Our response is to run toward the open arms of Jesus, our
Savior and Lord. The result is a miraculous and amazing transformation of a wretched
old hairy worm taking wings, which are lighter than air itself, and flying into the extreme
liberty of the children of the Most High God.