Changed Into His Likeness
A Biblical Theology Of Personal Transformation
Published on 20. May 2021
Book
Paperback/Softback
288 pages
978-1-78974-181-0 (ISBN)
Description
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.
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.
Reviews / Votes
Gary Millar ... not only traces the development of the theme of personal transformation across the canon, but also probes the extent to which such a vision has (or has not!) been captured by an array of thinkers in the history of the church. Then, reflecting his own commitments as a pastor-theologian, he puts together the whole and demonstrates that the best practical application emerges from the most integrated biblical theology. * D. A. Carson, Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, USA *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Nottingham
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Inter-Varsity Press
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
366 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-78974-181-0 (9781789741810)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
05/2021
Apollos
€16.49
Available for download
Person
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.
Content
Series preface
Author's preface
Abbreviations
1 Clearing the ground
Introduction: Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?
What is change?
Why is it so hard?
Can personal change actually happen? The gospel and transformation
On solid ground: developing a biblical theology of personal change
Conclusion: Life in the middle
2 On being 'us' - biblical anthropology and personal transformation
Introduction: Skirting the anthropological abyss
A helpful starting point: some reflections on psychology, neuroscience and quantum
physics
How does the Bible talk about us?
Why this really, really matters!
Conclusion: holistic dualism, dualistic holism, substance dualism,
integrative dualism, Christian Aristotelian Platonism and biblical common
sense!
3 Can a leopard change its spots?
Introduction
Plus ca change... (Or 'Character studies revisited!')
The state of the nation
What kind of change does the Old Testament promise?
Some objections considered
Conclusion: So what are we waiting for?
4 On wine and wineskins
Introduction: The difference Jesus makes
Jesus, the law and the gospel
Paul and the dynamics of change
Peter on why things can get better
James on a life that matches the truth
John on life, love and happiness
Hebrews and the new covenant life
Conclusion
5 Pursuing change
Introduction
The 'inner life' and biblical change
Augustine, Aquinas, Edwards, Chalmers, Lewis and Smith
Christology and biblical change
Calvin
Piety and biblical change
Owen, Newton, Wesley, Warfield and the Biblical Counselling Movement
Conclusion
6 Changed into his likeness
Introduction: A biblical theology of transformation
Transformation is a New Testament reality
God actually changes us
God changes us through the gospel
God changes us by enabling us to respond in repentance and faith
God changes us in the church and in the world
God changes us as we persevere
Conclusion: Changed into his likeness
Bibliography
Author's preface
Abbreviations
1 Clearing the ground
Introduction: Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?
What is change?
Why is it so hard?
Can personal change actually happen? The gospel and transformation
On solid ground: developing a biblical theology of personal change
Conclusion: Life in the middle
2 On being 'us' - biblical anthropology and personal transformation
Introduction: Skirting the anthropological abyss
A helpful starting point: some reflections on psychology, neuroscience and quantum
physics
How does the Bible talk about us?
Why this really, really matters!
Conclusion: holistic dualism, dualistic holism, substance dualism,
integrative dualism, Christian Aristotelian Platonism and biblical common
sense!
3 Can a leopard change its spots?
Introduction
Plus ca change... (Or 'Character studies revisited!')
The state of the nation
What kind of change does the Old Testament promise?
Some objections considered
Conclusion: So what are we waiting for?
4 On wine and wineskins
Introduction: The difference Jesus makes
Jesus, the law and the gospel
Paul and the dynamics of change
Peter on why things can get better
James on a life that matches the truth
John on life, love and happiness
Hebrews and the new covenant life
Conclusion
5 Pursuing change
Introduction
The 'inner life' and biblical change
Augustine, Aquinas, Edwards, Chalmers, Lewis and Smith
Christology and biblical change
Calvin
Piety and biblical change
Owen, Newton, Wesley, Warfield and the Biblical Counselling Movement
Conclusion
6 Changed into his likeness
Introduction: A biblical theology of transformation
Transformation is a New Testament reality
God actually changes us
God changes us through the gospel
God changes us by enabling us to respond in repentance and faith
God changes us in the church and in the world
God changes us as we persevere
Conclusion: Changed into his likeness
Bibliography