The doctrine of metamorphisms

A. Definition.

1. The word “metamorphism” is a biblical term, it is derived from the Greek word metamorfow and is used throughout the scripture. It means to transform, a change in form.

2. The verb can be used for an outward visible transformation like the transfiguration of Christ on the mountain in Matthew 17:2. The mount of transfiguration is the mount of metamorphism.

3. The verb can also be used for an inner invisible transformation, as in Romans 12:2 where it is so used.

4. However, the theological connotation has to do with a striking change of form, thought, or action.

5. There are six metamorphisms in the scripture of great significance, of doctrinal connotation.

B. The first metamorphism.

The first metamorphism can be summarised as innocent man in the garden becomes a sinner by his own act of volition and spiritually dead by an act of divine judgement. Both Adam and the woman became sinners and spiritually dead. As spiritually dead people they were both immediately under the new ruler of the world, and the first thing they did was human good — operation fig leaves.

C. The second metamorphism is described shortly after the fall. It has to do with the woman. When Jesus Christ came after operation fig leaves the first thing He did was to make an investigation. The second thing He did as the result of His investigation was to make a series of judgements. Among the judgements the second metamorphism occurs. The woman after the fall became the child-bearer — Genesis 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:15. Childbearing is the means of bringing the saviour into the world and the means of salvation for all of us.

D. The third metamorphism. Eternal God, the second person of the Trinity, also comes into the world through childbearing. Childbearing is the means of perpetuating the human race and this is the means of bringing Jesus Christ, eternal God, into the world as humanity. The metamorphism of the second person of the Trinity is that He became flesh and dwelt amongst us — Hebrews 10:5,10.

E. The fourth metamorphism. Sinful man through faith in Jesus Christ becomes regenerate. This causes the spiritually dead to be alive to God forever — Titus 3:5.

F. The fifth metamorphism is a temporal metamorphism of the royal family of God in time. This is the daily function of GAP resulting in godliness, balance of residency, supergrace, etc.

G. The sixth metamorphism is the eternal metamorphism of the royal family of God. In eternity we possess a resurrection body, minus the old sin nature, minus human good and evil, minus the lake of fire.