Changed Into His Likeness: A Biblical Theology Of Personal Transformation

When it comes to the Christian life, what exactly can we expect with regard to personal transformation? Gary Millar addresses this most basic question. He explores the nature of gospel-shaped change, exposing the dangers of both promising too much and expecting too little. The central part of his study focuses on ‘life in the middle’ - between the change that is brought about when we become Christians, and the ‘final’ change in which we will be raised with Christ. Millar reads the ‘character studies’ of major Old Testament figures as depicting a moral decline throughout their lives, and their innate sinfulness and lack of change. This problem is resolved by a new covenant that promises both individual and corporate transformation in the power of the Spirit. The New Testament presents this as a rich and complex process that cannot be contained or adequately described by a single set of images. Transformation is real, deep-rooted and far-reaching. In developing an integrated biblical theology of transformation, Millar draws on the contributions of some key theologians, including Augustine, Aquinas, Calvin, Edwards and Owen, and concludes with a careful synthesis.

Publisher: IVP
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9781789741810

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J. Gary Millar is Principal of Queensland Theological College, Australia. Previously he served as a minister in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. His books include Now Choose Life, Calling on the Name of the Lord and commentaries on Deuteronomy, Kings and 2 Corinthians.

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Have you ever asked yourself the following questions: “If the Gospel is true and I have come into a relationship with God, why do I still struggle with the same sins?” or, “Why do I struggle with the same attitudes and addictions?” J. Garry Millar has given us a resource that faces the discusses the issue of transformation. He opens with some of the reasons why we see the need for a change… Millar then proceeds to discuss the biblical view of change. In many cases we have In an over- or under-realized eschatology that neither promises too much nor too little. For, example, the holiness movement promises perfection now or the charismatic movement, ecstasy and the prosperity movement try to provide a pain-free profit promise and all the kingdom blessings are for here and now. They do not place much emphasis on the future at all. But those that put too much emphasis on an overly futuristic eschatology place too much weight in the future- pgs. 12-13. What we need is a balance because as of today we are “in the middle.”… As I finished this book, I thought about all the books and conferences that are constantly available to Christians. We are infatuated with fads and quick fixes. We have seen The Prayer of Jabez, The Shack, and other books come and go… Many of us like a quick formula or method to provide change. But it doesn’t work that way. This book provides a balanced and biblical perspective on how God transforms us. I highly recommend it. Eric Chabot