Stories of Lives Transformed by Christ
Paul wrote to the church in Corinth that in Christ we are “a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). But what does that mean? We probably live in the same place and go by the same name (unlike Saul-turned-Paul). What does it mean when we say that Christ is transforming lives? Nothing less than a renewal of our whole selves, a life-long process of uprooting old instincts and behaviors as the Spirit introduces us to a better, more vivid and more merciful life. Let’s look at two examples of lives transformed by Christ, beginning with Paul himself.
Paul: Fervor refined
Paul is the author of the majority of the New Testament. His letters and missionary journeys continue to guide the global church, but before he was the Apostle Paul, he had another name: Saul of Tarsus.
Saul of Tarsus was a Roman citizen and a well-respected teacher of religious law (Acts 22:3). He fiercely advocated for the imprisonment of Christians and was even present at the stoning of the first Christian martyr, Stephen (Acts 7:58).
What comes next is a transformation so powerful it inspired the phrase “saw the light”. You can read the entire story in Acts 9:1-31. We’ll break it down here for those who aren’t familiar.
On the way to arrest Christians in Damascus, Saul saw a bright light and heard a voice ask, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” That voice was Jesus, and he instructed Saul to go to the city for help. Saul fell down and was struck blind.
After his traveling companions helped him to the city, he went without food or water for three days. The Lord sent a believer named Ananias to speak with Saul and heal him by the power of the Holy Spirit. Upon being healed, Saul was baptized and immediately began to preach that Jesus was the Son of God. It was such a startling transformation that members of the early church didn’t believe him at first (Acts 9:26)!
Transformation is a life-long process
Paul’s transformation is a true 180 kind of flip, but on a closer look, the biggest thing we see in Paul is refinement. Christ transformed Paul’s heart, and the wild conversion story was just the beginning of that journey for Paul. From his conversion to his death in Rome, Paul grew in what he called the Fruits of the Spirit, showing compassion, patience, and mercy that would have seemed alien—and even foolish—to his old self.
When our hearts are transformed by Christ, we must choose to no longer see things as they once were. Paul’s obedience is remarkable, taking him across the Roman world and even ending in death at the hands of the Roman empire. Do we show that same obedience in our walk with God?
Zaccheus: Worst of the worst to one of us
Luke tells Zaccheus’ story at the very end of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem (where he would be crucified). In just 10 verses, we encounter a powerful example of the transformation that can occur through an encounter with Christ (Luke 19:1-10). Those of you who grew up in church might know the Sunday school song that lays out the story nicely: “Zaccheus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he. He climbed up in a sycamore tree, for the Lord he wanted to see”.
There’s a little more to the story, so here’s a slightly longer summary. As Jesus passes through Jericho, we meet Zaccheus, a short, wealthy chief tax collector—that is, the man in charge of other tax collectors. Zaccheus is desperate to see Jesus despite the crowd, so he climbs a tree. Out of the many gathered, Jesus singles out Zaccheus and tells him he’ll be coming to dinner at Zaccheus’ house. Moved by this honor, Zaccheus vows to give half of all he owns to the poor and pay back anyone he has cheated, four times as much. While the crowd grumbles at Jesus’ choice, Jesus declares that “Salvation has come to this house…For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).
An outcast makes amends
There’s a few things to know in order to fully understand the significance of this transformation. First, as the folks over at The Bible project remind us, Zaccheus’ position as chief tax collector would have meant that the Jewish community would have considered him a traitor, a tool of the oppressive Roman empire with a reputation for cheating people of their money by threat or falsely representing how much they owed in taxes.
Second, it’s worth examining the power dynamics that are part of Zaccheus’ transformation. While he held power as a chief tax collector, his actions and reputation also made him an outcast. Jesus’ reputation preceded him, and his messages of generosity, justice, and caring for the outcast must have struck Zaccheus powerfully. Just a chapter before, Jesus tells a parable that contrasts the pride of a Pharisee’s loud and self-congratulatory prayers with the humble, earnest repentance of a tax collector (Luke 18:9-14).
In deciding to give away his possessions and pay back those he’d cheated, Zaccheus demonstrated that same repentance, an active apology that included steps to make things right with those he’d wronged.
Transformation shows inside-out
In our own lives, transformation might not look like giving away half your possessions. However, like Zaccheus, our relationship with Jesus should create visible change. We cannot live as if we have not received a grace that comforts and challenges us. Zaccheus’ promise showed not only a new impulse toward justice but also toward repairing broken relationships. Imagine the difference that an honest tax collector would have made to the lives of the poor in Jericho!
Furthermore, the practical steps that Zaccheus took to make amends did not end with the initial push. With his promise of repayment, Zaccheus set up for himself a new way of life. He would need to live on less, place less of his confidence and identity in his wealth, and do the logistical and relational work of earning the trust of his community. What evidence does your life show that your relationship with Jesus has changed your priorities?
We know that encountering Christ transforms lives. But time and time again, the reality of transformation surprises us. Where we may have expected a slight adjustment or a begrudging shift, God provides even greater measures of mercy and wells of courage.
One part of faith, that life-long commitment, is the immediacy and the mundanity. While we are changed, our circumstances often are not. That’s where we have the blessing of a community we can rely on.
Maybe that doesn’t sound like your life right now. That’s okay. If you have the courage to take the first step, The Redeemed (where you’re reading this article) has small groups designed to offer support as you live into your freedom in Christ. We also put out resources like The Redeemed Man podcast and daily devotional series to help you get in God’s Word. If you’d like to know more about The Redeemed’s work, you can join a Starting Point session. These twice monthly calls give men an opportunity to learn more about our mission, the relationships we’re helping forge in small groups, and how we can help you grow in your faith.
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If you’re inspired to practice building lasting relationships and would like to journey alongside like-minded believers, consider joining one of The Redeemed’s small groups. Whether you prefer meeting in person or connecting online, our community is here to support and grow with you.
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