SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION

Why do I relentlessly speak of spiritual transformation of the individual into Christlikeness? Isn’t the issue salvation?

What is spiritual transformation and why is it necessary to discuss at length and integrate into almost every sermon and bible study?
Spiritual transformation is the process of both the formation of the human spirit and a formation by the Holy Spirit until it (the human spirit) has, to a substantial degree, the very character of Christ Jesus Himself.

Necessary? Unfortunately under our prevailing view of soteriology (the understanding of salvation), being saved has essentially nothing to do with such transformation.

Bluntly stated, the theological positions I am familiar with clearly insinuate that you can be right with God in ways that do not require transformation and in ways that do not routinely advance transformation.

Justification is seen as the entirety of salvation. If your sins are forgiven, you are justified and you will make the ‘cut’ after your death.
Salvation is complete when the transaction is complete-your account has been serviced in heaven by the transfer of merit from Christ.

What is the consequence naturally flowing from such theology?
If salvation is the same as justification (the forgiveness of sins and the assurance of the gates of splendor) then spiritual formation will not be seen as a natural part of it. Or even as a necessary part.

Could this account for the paucity of evidence that Jesus really does change lives as we so boldly proclaim? Could this be the cause of what is decried in evangelical circles as ‘nominal Christianity’?

Could it be that people in our churches do not have, to a substantial degree, the character of Christ-not in spite of the message we preach but precisely because of it?

Jesus spoke of a type of life entering the spirit of the individual human being. (John 3) This is the passage from ‘death’ to ‘life’ where real ‘life’ is a powerful presence in the individual with new life from above.
See: Ephesians 3:20 and 2 Timothy 2:1

Clearly a new, non-human activity becoming a part of our life.

Perhaps we have failed to stress regeneration in the individual human who has placed confidence in Jesus. The currents of Divine Life have begun to beat and pulsate in the individual. Is it not: "Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Col. 1:27)? Is it not: "He who began a good work in you will perfect it…" (Phil. 1:6)? Is it not: "God, who is at work in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure." (Phil. 2:13)? Is it not: becoming "partakers of divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust." (2 Peter 1:4)? Is it not: "Your life is hid with Christ in God." (Col. 3:3)?

Discipleship then becomes a natural progression for one who really does have confidence in Jesus as He really is. Moved by a gripping realization that Christ is the Annointed One. Maestro of the universe He created.

"He has given to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by desire (lust).” 2 Peter 1:4

This brings fully before us a picture of scriptural salvation as leading a life that is caught up in what God is doing in human history, today. It is a life in which "God works all things together for good to those who love him and are absorbed into his purposes." (Rom. 8:28) It is "resurrection life": a life already beyond death. (John 8:51-52 & 11:25-26; Col. 3:1-4).

The emphasis must be bringing before people the truth of regeneration and discipleship so that we actually do learn to do all that He has taught us.
Where spiritual transformation into Christlikeness is essential to the condition of ‘being saved’ as a natural development.

Then we will be caught up in His perpetual world revolution He set afoot with His coming, His life and His resurrection.