Transformed by Grace

Justus von Liebig, a German chemist, invented the first silvered mirrors in 1835. And humans have gotten a clearer picture of themselves ever since. Typical mirrors provide a reversed and flat image, giving a somewhat distorted impression. But a new form of reflection called True Mirror— made with two mirrors joined at a 90-degree angle—gives people a three- dimensional image of themselves as they appear to others. Some people find it intimidating to discover that much detail about their appearance, while others find it entertaining.

Mirrors serve important roles in our culture, but the most useful mirror in the universe is the spiritual mirror that focuses our eyes on Jesus and transforms us into His likeness through the power of His Spirit. He invites us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). This is only possible through the New Covenant.

Did you know that God established the covenant to save us even before we were created? (See 1 Corinthians 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:9; and Titus 1:2.) At that time, the Godhead agreed that Jesus would step in and bear our punishment, allowing us to freely receive forgiveness and eternal life. After humanity fell, this plan was revealed to Adam and Eve but, sadly, God’s chosen people eventually distorted the covenant of grace into a miserable, futile covenant of works.

The New Covenant, sometimes referred to as “a better covenant,” is really God’s perfect original covenant without the distortions humans placed on it. Jesus has already confirmed the covenant of grace by His death, resurrection, and intercession for us. “Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant” (Hebrews 7:22).

Through the New Covenant, we may choose to be forgiven and adopted. “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). And after receiving His grace, we can have victorious new lives by keeping our eyes focused on the transforming image of Christ.

Apply It:

Look at yourself in a mirror and remind yourself aloud that you are a child of God.

Dig Deeper:

1 Peter 1:20, 21; Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:6–13

Key Bible Texts

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV)