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New Studies in Biblical Theology #55
Changed into His Likeness: A Biblical Theology of Personal Transformation (Volume 55)
When it comes to the Christian life, what exactly can we expect with regard to personal transformation? Gary Millar addresses this most basic question in this NSBT volume. After surveying some contemporary psychological approaches to the issue of change and discussions of biblical anthropology, 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 presents a case for reading the character studies of major Old Testament figures from Noah to Solomon as depicting a declension throughout their lives and their innate sinfulness and lack of change. This problem is resolved in the establishment of a new covenant, which promises both individual and corporate transformation in the power of the Spirit. This transformation is presented in the New Testament as a rich and complex process, which cannot be contained or adequately described by one 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 key thinkers, including Augustine, Aquinas, Calvin, Edwards, Owen, Newton, James K. A. Smith and the Biblical Counselling movement. He concludes with a careful synthesis, charting a middle way between the errors of over-realized and under-realized eschatology. Addressing key issues in biblical theology, the works comprising New Studies in Biblical Theology are creative attempts to help Christians better understand their Bibles. The NSBT series is edited by D. A. Carson, aiming to simultaneously instruct and to edify, to interact with current scholarship and to point the way ahead.
288 pages, Paperback
Published June 29, 2021
15 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
J. Gary Millar
19 books18 followersGary has been the Principal of Queensland Theological College in Brisbane, Australia since the start of 2012. After studying chemistry in his home city of Belfast, Gary moved to Aberdeen in Scotland to study theology, before completing a D.Phil at Oxford on Deuteronomy. Gary worked as a pastor for the next 17 years in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and was involved in both church revitalization and church planting, before moving to Brisbane to lead the team at QTC.
Gary travels widely throughout Australia and beyond, seeking to encourage local churches. He is also the co-founder and Chair of The Gospel Coalition Australia.
Gary travels widely throughout Australia and beyond, seeking to encourage local churches. He is also the co-founder and Chair of The Gospel Coalition Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 4, 2021
I found myself in an unusual place reading this book. I’m friends with the author. The subject matter is the not only something I’ve thought about and discussed at length, it’s something I am profoundly and personally invested in - Christian transformation.
Heads up: as the cover states, this is another volume in the New Studies In Biblical Theology series, edited by “The Don” - that Himalayan-sized force for biblical faithfulness, Don Carson. So this was never going to be a devotional, how-to, let-me-tell-you-a-story sort of treatment. It’s got the methodical structure and framework you’d expect from an academic of the calibre of Dr Gary Millar. He steps into the ring to play by the rules of scholarship, layering his thesis clearly and carefully as he builds a helpful theology of Christian transformation.
This is a book which should be especially helpful for those who will never read it. By that, I mean it’s not really a book for the sheep as much as a book for the shepherds. In examining their own theology of transformation, considering fresh insights, discovering a misplaced emphasis here and a blind spot there, preachers and teachers will and find helpful correction, exhortation and enrichment in this book, both personally and, one hopes, for their flocks.
Gary Millar is a warm, personable, humble, winsome, practical - and slightly mischievous - preacher. With this book (and its part in the wider series) we meet more of Millar the academic than Millar the pastor. That’s appropriate and necessary but it’s worth knowing - if you hear Gary preach and think this book might give you more of what you’ve heard from the pulpit, this may not be the place to start. That’s quite deliberate.
Like the old, “teach a man to fish” saying, Millar the theological college principal is here laying the foundations for preachers who will in turn preach with a thorough, faithful, vital theology of change. He walks the reader through contemporary secular approaches to change, transformation in the Old and New Testaments (SPOILER: He declares the OT a wilderness of true personal and corporate transformation), cherry picks key theologians through the ages who have made a particular contribution to the conversation and finally proposes his own theology of transformation.
It’s the sort of book that needed to written. In responding to errors such as sinless perfectionism or the prosperity gospel, evangelicals have unwittingly turned the Christian life into a drab, joyless, changeless waiting room where we fill in time between the wonders of the cross and the final glorious revelation of the Kingdom! The holiness movement offers moral perfection, the prosperity gospel, health and wealth. Contemporary conservative evangelicals, says Millar in a cheeky - and incisive - moment, offer…rosters! Our preachers need a blueprint for the actual delivery of what Millar is so committed to - and so good at - in his own preaching. As friend and ally, Millar holds a mirror up so we can see ourselves and make the necessary changes to bring ourselves into line with the Bible.
Says Millar in his conclusion,
“This book is a call to embrace the challenges and delights of a “Romans 7' lifetime of being changed by God into the likeness of Christ. It is a call to be both realistic and optimistic. It is reminder that yes, the Christian life is hard, but we have been changed, are being changed and will be changed into his likeness.”
The theme is truly universal, yet this isn’t a book for everyone. My prayer is that the impact of this book will be felt far and wide as preachers send teachers understand and experience and nurture the wonder of transformation - individually and in community - under God’s new covenant grace, by the power of his Spirit, through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Heads up: as the cover states, this is another volume in the New Studies In Biblical Theology series, edited by “The Don” - that Himalayan-sized force for biblical faithfulness, Don Carson. So this was never going to be a devotional, how-to, let-me-tell-you-a-story sort of treatment. It’s got the methodical structure and framework you’d expect from an academic of the calibre of Dr Gary Millar. He steps into the ring to play by the rules of scholarship, layering his thesis clearly and carefully as he builds a helpful theology of Christian transformation.
This is a book which should be especially helpful for those who will never read it. By that, I mean it’s not really a book for the sheep as much as a book for the shepherds. In examining their own theology of transformation, considering fresh insights, discovering a misplaced emphasis here and a blind spot there, preachers and teachers will and find helpful correction, exhortation and enrichment in this book, both personally and, one hopes, for their flocks.
Gary Millar is a warm, personable, humble, winsome, practical - and slightly mischievous - preacher. With this book (and its part in the wider series) we meet more of Millar the academic than Millar the pastor. That’s appropriate and necessary but it’s worth knowing - if you hear Gary preach and think this book might give you more of what you’ve heard from the pulpit, this may not be the place to start. That’s quite deliberate.
Like the old, “teach a man to fish” saying, Millar the theological college principal is here laying the foundations for preachers who will in turn preach with a thorough, faithful, vital theology of change. He walks the reader through contemporary secular approaches to change, transformation in the Old and New Testaments (SPOILER: He declares the OT a wilderness of true personal and corporate transformation), cherry picks key theologians through the ages who have made a particular contribution to the conversation and finally proposes his own theology of transformation.
It’s the sort of book that needed to written. In responding to errors such as sinless perfectionism or the prosperity gospel, evangelicals have unwittingly turned the Christian life into a drab, joyless, changeless waiting room where we fill in time between the wonders of the cross and the final glorious revelation of the Kingdom! The holiness movement offers moral perfection, the prosperity gospel, health and wealth. Contemporary conservative evangelicals, says Millar in a cheeky - and incisive - moment, offer…rosters! Our preachers need a blueprint for the actual delivery of what Millar is so committed to - and so good at - in his own preaching. As friend and ally, Millar holds a mirror up so we can see ourselves and make the necessary changes to bring ourselves into line with the Bible.
Says Millar in his conclusion,
“This book is a call to embrace the challenges and delights of a “Romans 7' lifetime of being changed by God into the likeness of Christ. It is a call to be both realistic and optimistic. It is reminder that yes, the Christian life is hard, but we have been changed, are being changed and will be changed into his likeness.”
The theme is truly universal, yet this isn’t a book for everyone. My prayer is that the impact of this book will be felt far and wide as preachers send teachers understand and experience and nurture the wonder of transformation - individually and in community - under God’s new covenant grace, by the power of his Spirit, through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
April 10, 2022
This new release in the New Studies in Biblical Theology (NSBT) stands out among the other volumes in the series that I have reviewed. There is still much scholarly research as well as a host of biblical passages exegeted that I’ve come to expect in this series, but the scope of the subject isn’t as narrow as that found in most volumes. Most surprisingly, too, there is at times what could be used devotionally to be found. Not at the expense of scholarship, but in addition to it. In that sense, it’s quite rich. Maybe this isn’t so surprising after all, as how can you study personal transformation biblically without it turning personal?
The introductory chapter examines what we mean by transformation by looking even at prevailing trends in psychology regarding it. That discussion was nothing short of fascinating and reinforced why we’d better turn to the Bible to see what it has to say on the subject. The next chapter turns to biblical anthropology regarding personal transformation and defines key terms like “heart”, “mind”, “soul “, etc. I was impressed again.
The third chapter scans the Old Testament for personal transformation. The approach mostly takes key characters and states (overstates?) his appraisal of the biblical data. The level of digging into these beloved figures was in no way shallow, even incredibly perceptive at times, but was almost depressing as he was trying to make his case that there was little personal transformation there. He moved my thinking a little but I believe a much stronger positive case could be made than his gloomy analysis. In the next chapter, as he surveys the New Testament, he goes the other way and becomes especially positive on personal transformation and perhaps overlooks a few hiccups in those characters lives. I wonder if his covenantal theology guided him overmuch. Please don’t think I’m downgrading the overall depth and quality of his work, but let’s just say that he is not one of those scholars who’s afraid to persuasively present his conclusions!
Chapter 5 was a masterpiece. He took theology as expressed by key theologians and crafted an exquisite theology of personal transformation. You would never guess in the chapter’s opening paragraphs when he tells you of three broad groups (inner life/ Augustine & Edwards, Christology/ Calvin, piety/Owen) what a profound reading journey you are about to take. Other theologians are mentioned, but the synthesis and collation of theology are where he soars. As I read, I was finding myself agreeing in many ways with all three positions. So did he. My only criticism, and a mild one at that, is that he sometimes switched from biblical theology to trying to ascertain the official Reformed position as if it never crossed his mind that anyone outside a reformed persuasion would read his work.
The book concludes by drawing out the biblical conclusions articulated by some master theologians and reflecting on key biblical passages. His conclusions all make sense to me—as a Bible student and a Christian sometimes sad my transformation hasn’t been more profound. Personal transformation, even biblically, is complicated, but maybe less so after reading this book. Without doubt, this one is a keeper!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The introductory chapter examines what we mean by transformation by looking even at prevailing trends in psychology regarding it. That discussion was nothing short of fascinating and reinforced why we’d better turn to the Bible to see what it has to say on the subject. The next chapter turns to biblical anthropology regarding personal transformation and defines key terms like “heart”, “mind”, “soul “, etc. I was impressed again.
The third chapter scans the Old Testament for personal transformation. The approach mostly takes key characters and states (overstates?) his appraisal of the biblical data. The level of digging into these beloved figures was in no way shallow, even incredibly perceptive at times, but was almost depressing as he was trying to make his case that there was little personal transformation there. He moved my thinking a little but I believe a much stronger positive case could be made than his gloomy analysis. In the next chapter, as he surveys the New Testament, he goes the other way and becomes especially positive on personal transformation and perhaps overlooks a few hiccups in those characters lives. I wonder if his covenantal theology guided him overmuch. Please don’t think I’m downgrading the overall depth and quality of his work, but let’s just say that he is not one of those scholars who’s afraid to persuasively present his conclusions!
Chapter 5 was a masterpiece. He took theology as expressed by key theologians and crafted an exquisite theology of personal transformation. You would never guess in the chapter’s opening paragraphs when he tells you of three broad groups (inner life/ Augustine & Edwards, Christology/ Calvin, piety/Owen) what a profound reading journey you are about to take. Other theologians are mentioned, but the synthesis and collation of theology are where he soars. As I read, I was finding myself agreeing in many ways with all three positions. So did he. My only criticism, and a mild one at that, is that he sometimes switched from biblical theology to trying to ascertain the official Reformed position as if it never crossed his mind that anyone outside a reformed persuasion would read his work.
The book concludes by drawing out the biblical conclusions articulated by some master theologians and reflecting on key biblical passages. His conclusions all make sense to me—as a Bible student and a Christian sometimes sad my transformation hasn’t been more profound. Personal transformation, even biblically, is complicated, but maybe less so after reading this book. Without doubt, this one is a keeper!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
January 12, 2022
Summary: A biblical study of how personal transformation takes place in the life of a believer.
Change is hard. How many of us keep those New Year’s Resolutions? At the same time, one of the claims made by Christians is that new life in Christ is transformative. J. Gary Millar, in Changed Into His Likeness explores what may be asserted from the teaching of scripture about the change that is possible, avoiding the extremes of over- and under-realized eschatologies. He considers the clear teaching that we both have been changed in coming to new life in Christ, and we will be changed. Meanwhile, there is the question of what may be expected in between, where believers live their lives this side of eternity, which is the focus of this volume.
Before engaging this question, Millar asks the question of what do we mean by “us,” considering what is meant by the image of God, and the various words used addressing body, soul, spirit, mind, etc. This relates to current neurophysiological debates. If we are merely material, change is simply a matter of re-routing neural pathways. He seems most sympathetic to the idea of “holistic dualism.”
He then turns to the biblical account of change, considering first the Old Testament. His contention, considering case studies from Noah to Solomon showing that positive change was not possible for those who believe, but rather decline. He then asks an intriguing question: were Old Testament saints regenerate, particular if this Spirit was at most upon them rather than indwelling them? The theologians he references dance around the question and he leaves this unanswered as well. But the evidence shows that transformation is not evident in the Old Testament.
He then considers the New Testament. Jesus, unlike the Old Testament saints fulfilled the law and expanded his treatment from outward to inward, limiting the provisions for divorce, and transforming the lives of those who encounter him, like Zacchaeus and the Samaritan woman. He frees from sin, and promises the indwelling of the Spirit, through whom he would bear fruit in their lives. Paul likewise speaks of the gospel’s transforming work. Believers abound in love, please God more and more, learn to discern his will, increasingly reflect the character of Jesus, are strengthened to serve, filled with God’s fullness, show a work of God moving forward to completion, and reflect God’s glory in Christ. He also traces the contributions of other New Testament writers. His summary of Hebrews could preach: We will grow in our knowledge of truth, focus on encouraging others, and experience the kindly discipline and training of God
He then does a historical theological survey from Augustine to the present, including fascinating material on Calvin and John Owen. He also characterizes James K. A. Smith’s focus on replacing cultural liturgies with richer, thicker Christian ones to be a flirtation with legalism. I think he misreads Smith here and does not distinguish what Smith proposes from his own recommended practices of a Word-shaped life. He makes these observations: Biblical change is complex, God’s work, trinitarian, flows from union with Christ, is word-driven, requires piety, and is comprehensive. This sets the stage for his own biblical theology of personal transformation. He highlights that it is a work of God, occurs through the gospel, enabling us to respond with repentance and faith. This change comes through our life in the church and in the world, and involves perseverance. Perhaps more simply, we change as we gaze upon Christ and are changed increasingly into people who reflect his glorious image (2 Corinthians 3:18).
This is much needed work in an era where the gospel has been hi-jacked either for personal prosperity or political ends, all of which reveal a shrinking understanding of the true and glorious transforming power of the gospel. Only this holds hope for those who have been failed by all the self-help teachers and those in the grips of sin’s tyranny in all its forms–our idolatries, our besetting sins, our injustices, and our fearful animus toward our neighbors. God can transform all of these–not with a wave of a magic wand but as we focus on Christ, are discipled by his word, are impowered to repent, believe, and change by his Spirit, and drawn by a loving Father in a community of mutual encouragement. This theology of change speaks into the lives of quiet desperation of believers who wonder what there is between having first believed and going to be with the Lord and who feel they are just going through the motions. Millar’s study is a vital resource that I hope enjoys much use by pastors and all who commend the Lord who is changing us into his likeness.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Change is hard. How many of us keep those New Year’s Resolutions? At the same time, one of the claims made by Christians is that new life in Christ is transformative. J. Gary Millar, in Changed Into His Likeness explores what may be asserted from the teaching of scripture about the change that is possible, avoiding the extremes of over- and under-realized eschatologies. He considers the clear teaching that we both have been changed in coming to new life in Christ, and we will be changed. Meanwhile, there is the question of what may be expected in between, where believers live their lives this side of eternity, which is the focus of this volume.
Before engaging this question, Millar asks the question of what do we mean by “us,” considering what is meant by the image of God, and the various words used addressing body, soul, spirit, mind, etc. This relates to current neurophysiological debates. If we are merely material, change is simply a matter of re-routing neural pathways. He seems most sympathetic to the idea of “holistic dualism.”
He then turns to the biblical account of change, considering first the Old Testament. His contention, considering case studies from Noah to Solomon showing that positive change was not possible for those who believe, but rather decline. He then asks an intriguing question: were Old Testament saints regenerate, particular if this Spirit was at most upon them rather than indwelling them? The theologians he references dance around the question and he leaves this unanswered as well. But the evidence shows that transformation is not evident in the Old Testament.
He then considers the New Testament. Jesus, unlike the Old Testament saints fulfilled the law and expanded his treatment from outward to inward, limiting the provisions for divorce, and transforming the lives of those who encounter him, like Zacchaeus and the Samaritan woman. He frees from sin, and promises the indwelling of the Spirit, through whom he would bear fruit in their lives. Paul likewise speaks of the gospel’s transforming work. Believers abound in love, please God more and more, learn to discern his will, increasingly reflect the character of Jesus, are strengthened to serve, filled with God’s fullness, show a work of God moving forward to completion, and reflect God’s glory in Christ. He also traces the contributions of other New Testament writers. His summary of Hebrews could preach: We will grow in our knowledge of truth, focus on encouraging others, and experience the kindly discipline and training of God
He then does a historical theological survey from Augustine to the present, including fascinating material on Calvin and John Owen. He also characterizes James K. A. Smith’s focus on replacing cultural liturgies with richer, thicker Christian ones to be a flirtation with legalism. I think he misreads Smith here and does not distinguish what Smith proposes from his own recommended practices of a Word-shaped life. He makes these observations: Biblical change is complex, God’s work, trinitarian, flows from union with Christ, is word-driven, requires piety, and is comprehensive. This sets the stage for his own biblical theology of personal transformation. He highlights that it is a work of God, occurs through the gospel, enabling us to respond with repentance and faith. This change comes through our life in the church and in the world, and involves perseverance. Perhaps more simply, we change as we gaze upon Christ and are changed increasingly into people who reflect his glorious image (2 Corinthians 3:18).
This is much needed work in an era where the gospel has been hi-jacked either for personal prosperity or political ends, all of which reveal a shrinking understanding of the true and glorious transforming power of the gospel. Only this holds hope for those who have been failed by all the self-help teachers and those in the grips of sin’s tyranny in all its forms–our idolatries, our besetting sins, our injustices, and our fearful animus toward our neighbors. God can transform all of these–not with a wave of a magic wand but as we focus on Christ, are discipled by his word, are impowered to repent, believe, and change by his Spirit, and drawn by a loving Father in a community of mutual encouragement. This theology of change speaks into the lives of quiet desperation of believers who wonder what there is between having first believed and going to be with the Lord and who feel they are just going through the motions. Millar’s study is a vital resource that I hope enjoys much use by pastors and all who commend the Lord who is changing us into his likeness.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
July 12, 2021
Have you ever felt stuck in your ways? Is it possible to truly change? In Changed into His Likeness, J. Gary Millar points us toward a biblical theology of personal transformation.
Life in the Middle
To start, Millar assures us that we live “life in the middle.” The Bible is riddled with passages that we already have been changed but also that we will change. There is an inaugurated eschatology - and this is what the book hopes to help explain.
By diving deep into the Hebrew and Greek texts, Millar argues and concludes that humans have to live in the reality of holistic dualism. We are simple and complex, and change is possible.
Repentance and Faith
But the next chapter poses a problem in that our Old Testament “heroes” lack the ability to change themselves for good. Millar presents case studies of Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, and Solomon to show that true change eludes their lives. Furthermore, the entire nation of Israel is incapable of change. This is a paradigm-shifting chapter, and one that gave me goosebumps. God will call his people to a new covenant as they meet their Messiah.
Jesus takes center stage in Chapter 4, and he is the reason that true change is possible. As he fulfilled the law, the Gospels present us with stories of people who are truly able to change. By repentance and faith in Jesus, we can move toward completion and glorify God in our lives. This is a triumphant chapter, and will encourage even the most critical spirits.
New Testament Reality
Interestingly, Millar looks at Augustine, Aquinas, Edwards and more on the chapter on pursuing change in the inner life. Calvin pointed toward Christology and biblical change, while Owen moved toward piety. Amongst others, Millar concludes that Biblical change is God’s work, trinitarian, and flows from our union with Christ. It is worth mentioning that Millar sees the importance of the church in driving change – from our living in corporate community to the pulpit preaching of God’s Word.
To be sure, this is a highly academic book. But it is extremely rewarding in that it will help you understand and articulate a biblical theology of personal transformation. This New Testament reality changes how you experience life with Christ in this world and in the next. It is something worth celebrating. And it is something worth pursuing – to look, love, and live like our Savior.
I received a media copy of Changed into His Likeness and this is my honest review.
Life in the Middle
To start, Millar assures us that we live “life in the middle.” The Bible is riddled with passages that we already have been changed but also that we will change. There is an inaugurated eschatology - and this is what the book hopes to help explain.
By diving deep into the Hebrew and Greek texts, Millar argues and concludes that humans have to live in the reality of holistic dualism. We are simple and complex, and change is possible.
Repentance and Faith
But the next chapter poses a problem in that our Old Testament “heroes” lack the ability to change themselves for good. Millar presents case studies of Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, and Solomon to show that true change eludes their lives. Furthermore, the entire nation of Israel is incapable of change. This is a paradigm-shifting chapter, and one that gave me goosebumps. God will call his people to a new covenant as they meet their Messiah.
Jesus takes center stage in Chapter 4, and he is the reason that true change is possible. As he fulfilled the law, the Gospels present us with stories of people who are truly able to change. By repentance and faith in Jesus, we can move toward completion and glorify God in our lives. This is a triumphant chapter, and will encourage even the most critical spirits.
New Testament Reality
Interestingly, Millar looks at Augustine, Aquinas, Edwards and more on the chapter on pursuing change in the inner life. Calvin pointed toward Christology and biblical change, while Owen moved toward piety. Amongst others, Millar concludes that Biblical change is God’s work, trinitarian, and flows from our union with Christ. It is worth mentioning that Millar sees the importance of the church in driving change – from our living in corporate community to the pulpit preaching of God’s Word.
To be sure, this is a highly academic book. But it is extremely rewarding in that it will help you understand and articulate a biblical theology of personal transformation. This New Testament reality changes how you experience life with Christ in this world and in the next. It is something worth celebrating. And it is something worth pursuing – to look, love, and live like our Savior.
I received a media copy of Changed into His Likeness and this is my honest review.
January 18, 2025
Jesus Christ saves us from our sins—but he doesn't leave us there. In many and varied ways, the Bible speaks* of our need, ability (through Christ), and mechanisms God uses, to transform our lives. In Changed into His Likeness, J. Gary Millar surveys the Scriptures and historical theology to develop a robust biblical theology of personal transformation. You can see his summary on my blog.
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This is a great book. Millar does a good job surveying and summarizing both the Scriptures and thinkers throughout the ages. As there are different facets to change, sometimes it felt (necessarily) repetitive or overlapping, but such is needed to fully flesh out the nuances. As with the only other book I've read in this series so far, this is a winner.
----------------
This is a great book. Millar does a good job surveying and summarizing both the Scriptures and thinkers throughout the ages. As there are different facets to change, sometimes it felt (necessarily) repetitive or overlapping, but such is needed to fully flesh out the nuances. As with the only other book I've read in this series so far, this is a winner.
March 28, 2022
Excellent biblical theology on the doctrine of sanctification. The chapter on Old Testament characters and the final chapter summarizing the Scripture’s teaching are worth the price of the book!
“This book is a call to embrace the challenges and delights of a ‘Romans 7’ lifetime of being changed by God into the likeness of Christ. It is a call to be both realistic and optimistic. It is a reminder that yes, the Christian life is hard, but we have been changed, are being changed, and will be changed into his likeness. In the words of Paul, ‘So we do not lose heart’ (2 Corinthians 4:16).
“This book is a call to embrace the challenges and delights of a ‘Romans 7’ lifetime of being changed by God into the likeness of Christ. It is a call to be both realistic and optimistic. It is a reminder that yes, the Christian life is hard, but we have been changed, are being changed, and will be changed into his likeness. In the words of Paul, ‘So we do not lose heart’ (2 Corinthians 4:16).
April 18, 2022
A good primer on "transformation" (sanctification and glorification) - the promise of growth hinted at in the Old Testament and manifested in the New Testament fulfillment of those promises (yet still awaiting its completion). I've also liked the 'historical theology' bit.
July 17, 2021
It was Dostoevsky who wrote that “taking any new step, even uttering a new word, is what people fear the most.” My mind goes to a dozen places. Walking onto my college campus to my first class as a newly-minted freshman. Finding the courage to tell a girl I would eventually marry what I never had before: “I love you.” Preaching my first sermon. Beginning a new journal. Packing a U-Haul to move across the country. These moments of life, big and small, carry with them a surprising sense of weight. Change is significant. Sometimes we want it (or need it), and sometimes we don’t. Sometimes it comes naturally, and sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes it seems easy, other times impossible.
When it comes to spiritual change, we find a similar fear, a similar “inertia” facing us. The New Testament tells every believer that “when He shall appear, we shall be like Him” (1 Jn. 3:2). Yet that reality throws us into a cognitive dissonance of sorts, as our assessment of ourselves often resonates with Paul’s words: “Wretched man that I am!” (Rom 7:24). We find it easy to mentally assent to the accomplishment of our redemption, but struggle with seeing its application to us in the present day. The question before us is plainly expressed: can personal change happen?
This is the question that J. Gary Millar sets out to explore, by developing a biblical theology of these themes in his new book, Changed Into His Likeness. One of Millar’s strongest opening arguments is into how both an over-realized and an under-realized eschatology has negatively impacted our understanding of gospel transformation. These two central problems are certainly impacting the Church’s understanding, and its practice, of real change. As Millar puts it, in the Christian life we either expect too much, or we expect too little from God in matters of change. It’s this latter point I was particularly challenged by. Here’s Millar:
It can fairly readily be observed in a range of conservative churches that concern over promising too much can easily reduce holiness to obedience, the idea of Christian experience to gritting our teeth and waiting for heaven, and our relationship with God to reading words on a page, trusting him and doing evangelism. Little or nothing is expected from God now, and many have relocated the idea of delighting in God and his blessing to an entirely future experience (p. 12)
Could it be that one of the main reasons many American churches rarely see baptisms or conversions take place, or feel that their disciple-making strategies are hamstrung, is because we simply expect too little from God? Perhaps we grown so averse to the prospect of God’s might to save and power to change that we need to (as Millar would say) “clear the ground.” Millar goes on to lay the solid two-sided foundation that Scripture helps us plainly see: that we have already been changed, and that we will be changed. Then, surveying the Old and New Testament, Millar helps us understand what it means, biblically speaking, to pursue gospel change.
One of the most encouraging and insightful aspects of the book is Chapter 3’s various “character case studies.” Millar spends a significant amount of time examining some of the most pivotal OT characters. Oftentimes, the lives of OT figures like Abraham, Moses, David, and Jacob are set forth as moral examples. As David has courage against the giant, so must we. As Abraham followed God in faith, we should follow suit. But what we tend to forget is that such figures were stridently broken, facing sin to the end of their lives. As Millar summarizes, perhaps such stories “simply give powerful evidence of the need for God to intervene in gracious power” (94). Millar’s project locates our sanctification centrally in the person and work of Christ. “The gospel,” he contends, “brings personal transformation” (138).
Pulling together a tapestry of Old and New Testament texts, and reinforced by theologians from church history, Millar’s work on personal transformation is an insightful, challenging, and encouraging contribution to this conversation. Nothing in this book is overly pessimistic or idealistic. Millar is extremely honest about change. It is complex, difficult, gradual. But it is, in the end, nothing to fear. It is simply truthful and good and beautiful news, to know that biblical change is, ultimately, God’s work in us.
Millar’s conclusion is stirring: “No event, no aspect of life, no act of sin and/or stupidity…is beyond use in the serve of God’s change agenda for his people.” This book is an excellent resource to root us in what the Word says about our potential for change, and how we can, indeed, be changed into His likeness.
*I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
When it comes to spiritual change, we find a similar fear, a similar “inertia” facing us. The New Testament tells every believer that “when He shall appear, we shall be like Him” (1 Jn. 3:2). Yet that reality throws us into a cognitive dissonance of sorts, as our assessment of ourselves often resonates with Paul’s words: “Wretched man that I am!” (Rom 7:24). We find it easy to mentally assent to the accomplishment of our redemption, but struggle with seeing its application to us in the present day. The question before us is plainly expressed: can personal change happen?
This is the question that J. Gary Millar sets out to explore, by developing a biblical theology of these themes in his new book, Changed Into His Likeness. One of Millar’s strongest opening arguments is into how both an over-realized and an under-realized eschatology has negatively impacted our understanding of gospel transformation. These two central problems are certainly impacting the Church’s understanding, and its practice, of real change. As Millar puts it, in the Christian life we either expect too much, or we expect too little from God in matters of change. It’s this latter point I was particularly challenged by. Here’s Millar:
It can fairly readily be observed in a range of conservative churches that concern over promising too much can easily reduce holiness to obedience, the idea of Christian experience to gritting our teeth and waiting for heaven, and our relationship with God to reading words on a page, trusting him and doing evangelism. Little or nothing is expected from God now, and many have relocated the idea of delighting in God and his blessing to an entirely future experience (p. 12)
Could it be that one of the main reasons many American churches rarely see baptisms or conversions take place, or feel that their disciple-making strategies are hamstrung, is because we simply expect too little from God? Perhaps we grown so averse to the prospect of God’s might to save and power to change that we need to (as Millar would say) “clear the ground.” Millar goes on to lay the solid two-sided foundation that Scripture helps us plainly see: that we have already been changed, and that we will be changed. Then, surveying the Old and New Testament, Millar helps us understand what it means, biblically speaking, to pursue gospel change.
One of the most encouraging and insightful aspects of the book is Chapter 3’s various “character case studies.” Millar spends a significant amount of time examining some of the most pivotal OT characters. Oftentimes, the lives of OT figures like Abraham, Moses, David, and Jacob are set forth as moral examples. As David has courage against the giant, so must we. As Abraham followed God in faith, we should follow suit. But what we tend to forget is that such figures were stridently broken, facing sin to the end of their lives. As Millar summarizes, perhaps such stories “simply give powerful evidence of the need for God to intervene in gracious power” (94). Millar’s project locates our sanctification centrally in the person and work of Christ. “The gospel,” he contends, “brings personal transformation” (138).
Pulling together a tapestry of Old and New Testament texts, and reinforced by theologians from church history, Millar’s work on personal transformation is an insightful, challenging, and encouraging contribution to this conversation. Nothing in this book is overly pessimistic or idealistic. Millar is extremely honest about change. It is complex, difficult, gradual. But it is, in the end, nothing to fear. It is simply truthful and good and beautiful news, to know that biblical change is, ultimately, God’s work in us.
Millar’s conclusion is stirring: “No event, no aspect of life, no act of sin and/or stupidity…is beyond use in the serve of God’s change agenda for his people.” This book is an excellent resource to root us in what the Word says about our potential for change, and how we can, indeed, be changed into His likeness.
*I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 14, 2022
An interesting and thorough biblical theology of personal change (transformation). From the opening pages of the Bible, we recognize that humanity is not how it ought to be and is in dire need of restoration back into accurate representatives as the images of God. The OT effectively alerts us to this need, yet provides no immediate solution, instead pointing ahead to action God himself will take to transform humanity at the individual and corporate levels. We realize throughout the OT - particularly in the narratives and prophetic literature - that humanity is incapable of accomplishing this change on its own; it needs God to do this work.
The NT recognizes Jesus' person and works as the means of God's effective transformation through the inseparable pairing of justification and sanctification, worked out in individuals through the power of the Holy Spirit. In effect, then, the enactment of personal transformation in any Christian is necessarily trinitarian as all three persons of the Godhead are active in working out this transformation. Sanctifying transformation is the transformation not just of actions but of the entire being - heart, soul, and mind.
Throughout history, theologians and pastors have attempted to define the way in which God accomplishes this transformation, agreeing that it is always the work of God (not without synergistic human effort) through his word to powerfully change believers into Christ's likeness in a gradual process.
The NT recognizes Jesus' person and works as the means of God's effective transformation through the inseparable pairing of justification and sanctification, worked out in individuals through the power of the Holy Spirit. In effect, then, the enactment of personal transformation in any Christian is necessarily trinitarian as all three persons of the Godhead are active in working out this transformation. Sanctifying transformation is the transformation not just of actions but of the entire being - heart, soul, and mind.
Throughout history, theologians and pastors have attempted to define the way in which God accomplishes this transformation, agreeing that it is always the work of God (not without synergistic human effort) through his word to powerfully change believers into Christ's likeness in a gradual process.
January 6, 2023
This is a book about the process of progressive sanctification in this life.
It starts with a summary of what we are: chiefly that we are systemically ruined by sin.
From there, it takes a tour over scripture. First, the OT, in which change is promised but not realised (I'm not sure I fully agree that there was zero change in the OT, but it was definitely nothing like in the NT age). And then the NT, when the Lord sends the Holy Spirit to do his mighty work in his people.
There's a brief coverage then of different views of sanctification over the ages, in two main streams: following Augustine (in that our desires/loves are redirected towards God), and started by Calvin (in that in union with Christ God transforms us to be like him).
Finally, it synthesises this all together. God is the one who changes us. He's given us the Word (especially it preached) and the ordinances as tools we must use. He helps us repent in response to the Word, and trust in it, and persevere through sufferings. And all this happens in community, in churches, where we together are grown into the likeness of Christ.
This was meant to be a comprehensive work, and so some places were "dull". From the NT section onwards it was encouraging and heart-warming.
It starts with a summary of what we are: chiefly that we are systemically ruined by sin.
From there, it takes a tour over scripture. First, the OT, in which change is promised but not realised (I'm not sure I fully agree that there was zero change in the OT, but it was definitely nothing like in the NT age). And then the NT, when the Lord sends the Holy Spirit to do his mighty work in his people.
There's a brief coverage then of different views of sanctification over the ages, in two main streams: following Augustine (in that our desires/loves are redirected towards God), and started by Calvin (in that in union with Christ God transforms us to be like him).
Finally, it synthesises this all together. God is the one who changes us. He's given us the Word (especially it preached) and the ordinances as tools we must use. He helps us repent in response to the Word, and trust in it, and persevere through sufferings. And all this happens in community, in churches, where we together are grown into the likeness of Christ.
This was meant to be a comprehensive work, and so some places were "dull". From the NT section onwards it was encouraging and heart-warming.
May 31, 2023
Overall this is a helpful resource if, for no other reason, to see what other Reformed/Augustinian thinkers have said about personal change. The chapter on the Old Testament was also particularly illuminating. In a world of self help burnout, this book is a helpful, Christocentric corrective.
On the other hand, I think anyone looking for an actual way forward into deeper change will be somewhat frustrated. Effectively, while his emphasis on the community in change was great, his solutions are sermons, communion, and Bible. That’s an oversimplification, and while I’m a huge proponent of ALL of those things and actually consider all of those necessary, the lack of interaction with resources modern and ancient on spiritual disciplines that affect us at a habitual, bodily level was pretty disappointing. Also, I think he misrepresents James KA Smith’s concentration on liturgies as grounds for change. Which is funny in particular because on the very next page, Millar cites Communion and Baptism as necessary factors for change… which fits hand in glove with Smith’s paradigm.
Anyways, helpful but could have been better.
On the other hand, I think anyone looking for an actual way forward into deeper change will be somewhat frustrated. Effectively, while his emphasis on the community in change was great, his solutions are sermons, communion, and Bible. That’s an oversimplification, and while I’m a huge proponent of ALL of those things and actually consider all of those necessary, the lack of interaction with resources modern and ancient on spiritual disciplines that affect us at a habitual, bodily level was pretty disappointing. Also, I think he misrepresents James KA Smith’s concentration on liturgies as grounds for change. Which is funny in particular because on the very next page, Millar cites Communion and Baptism as necessary factors for change… which fits hand in glove with Smith’s paradigm.
Anyways, helpful but could have been better.
April 29, 2022
I'm particularly fond of this book series which helps take us into whole Bible teaching on key themes. The subject area here is important too -and often much neglected as the author hints at.
Positives from this book are
- It's a fairly easy read - I managed it over a couple of days with COVID
- You want to keep reading
- A good overview of the OT and NT teaching here.
Particularly helpful
- A reverse corrective to the tendency within Biblical Theology to miss the ethical/example lessons from OT characters
- Emphasis on the distinction we between OT and NT -that there is faith pre Christ but it is the Cross and the coming of the Spirit that make personal transformation possible
I would cut the section on historical theological positions. Such a treatment is worthy of a study in its own right. This would have enabled focus on one or two areas that I think are missing
1. I'd have liked to have seen greater attention to eschatological implications
2. More of a fleshing out of implications and application of the theology at the end
Positives from this book are
- It's a fairly easy read - I managed it over a couple of days with COVID
- You want to keep reading
- A good overview of the OT and NT teaching here.
Particularly helpful
- A reverse corrective to the tendency within Biblical Theology to miss the ethical/example lessons from OT characters
- Emphasis on the distinction we between OT and NT -that there is faith pre Christ but it is the Cross and the coming of the Spirit that make personal transformation possible
I would cut the section on historical theological positions. Such a treatment is worthy of a study in its own right. This would have enabled focus on one or two areas that I think are missing
1. I'd have liked to have seen greater attention to eschatological implications
2. More of a fleshing out of implications and application of the theology at the end
March 17, 2023
Why does it seem hard to make lasting change in our lives for the better? Is it impossible, or does it take, for lack of a better term, an act of God?
J. Gary Millar does an excellent job of dealing with the issue of personal transformation and what the Bible teaches on the subject in his book "Changed Into His Image: A Biblical Theology of Personal Transformation." He starts off with our desire for transformation but various reasons why we're not capable of it, including the influence psychology, neuroscience, quantum physics, and philosophical considerations.
He then goes into the Old Testament, pointing out that while there's a promise of transformation, there aren't any true examples. In the New Testament, Millar focuses on the Gospel and the Holy Spirit being the source of empowerment to be able to live a transformed life.
This is the sixth book of the New Studies on Biblical Theology series, and the second one penned by J. Gary Millar, both of which are among my favorites. I highly recommend this book.
J. Gary Millar does an excellent job of dealing with the issue of personal transformation and what the Bible teaches on the subject in his book "Changed Into His Image: A Biblical Theology of Personal Transformation." He starts off with our desire for transformation but various reasons why we're not capable of it, including the influence psychology, neuroscience, quantum physics, and philosophical considerations.
He then goes into the Old Testament, pointing out that while there's a promise of transformation, there aren't any true examples. In the New Testament, Millar focuses on the Gospel and the Holy Spirit being the source of empowerment to be able to live a transformed life.
This is the sixth book of the New Studies on Biblical Theology series, and the second one penned by J. Gary Millar, both of which are among my favorites. I highly recommend this book.
July 30, 2025
“Sometimes we feel like we are getting worse rather than better. The more we go on, the more, I suspect at least some of the times, we will feel like Paul when he describes himself as the ‘chief of sinners.’
… This book is a call to embrace the challenges and delights of a ‘Romans 7’ lifetime of being changed by God into the likeness of Christ. It is a call to be both realistic and optimistic. It is a reminder that yes, the Christian life is hard, but we have been changed, are being changed and will be changed into his likeness. In the words of Paul:
‘so we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal’ (2 Corinthians 4:16-19).”
… This book is a call to embrace the challenges and delights of a ‘Romans 7’ lifetime of being changed by God into the likeness of Christ. It is a call to be both realistic and optimistic. It is a reminder that yes, the Christian life is hard, but we have been changed, are being changed and will be changed into his likeness. In the words of Paul:
‘so we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal’ (2 Corinthians 4:16-19).”
November 30, 2024
Excellent!
I am not what I ought to be. Ah! how imperfect and deficient! Not what I might be, considering my privileges and opportunities. Not what I wish to be. God, who knows my heart, knows I wish to be like him. I am not what I hope to be; ere long to drop this clay p 243 tabernacle, to be like him and see him as he is. Not what I once was, a child of sin and slave of the devil. Though not all these, not what I ought to be, not what I might be, not what I wish or hope to be, and not what I once was, I think I can truly say with the apostle, ‘By the grace of God I am what I am’ (1 Cor. 15:10).
J. Gary Millar, Changed into His Likeness: A Biblical Theology of Personal Transformation, ed. D. A. Carson, vol. 55, New Studies in Biblical Theology (London; Downers Grove, IL: Apollos; IVP Academic: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2021), 242–243.
I am not what I ought to be. Ah! how imperfect and deficient! Not what I might be, considering my privileges and opportunities. Not what I wish to be. God, who knows my heart, knows I wish to be like him. I am not what I hope to be; ere long to drop this clay p 243 tabernacle, to be like him and see him as he is. Not what I once was, a child of sin and slave of the devil. Though not all these, not what I ought to be, not what I might be, not what I wish or hope to be, and not what I once was, I think I can truly say with the apostle, ‘By the grace of God I am what I am’ (1 Cor. 15:10).
J. Gary Millar, Changed into His Likeness: A Biblical Theology of Personal Transformation, ed. D. A. Carson, vol. 55, New Studies in Biblical Theology (London; Downers Grove, IL: Apollos; IVP Academic: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2021), 242–243.
September 18, 2025
I’ve been reading this book slowly for a couple of months so it doesn’t make for riveting reading, but it does accomplish its goal: to set out a biblical theology of personal transformation.
The author begins with the Old Testament and asks the question “do we see the characters in the OT transform in their personalities due to their encounters with the living God/. The author’s answer is: “it’s a mixed bag,” which was surprising to me, but his argument is pretty convincing.
He then proceeds to the New Testament where the change is more clear an evident and then to Christian history asking what various theologians believed about personal transformation.
The second part of the book the author lays out a theory of personal transformation based on the Scriptures.
The author begins with the Old Testament and asks the question “do we see the characters in the OT transform in their personalities due to their encounters with the living God/. The author’s answer is: “it’s a mixed bag,” which was surprising to me, but his argument is pretty convincing.
He then proceeds to the New Testament where the change is more clear an evident and then to Christian history asking what various theologians believed about personal transformation.
The second part of the book the author lays out a theory of personal transformation based on the Scriptures.
August 20, 2021
I was really looking forward to this book after reading David Peterson's "Possessed By God," part of the same series (and written by another Australian theologian). The beginning and end were excellent. However, in chapter 4, I nearly bled my pen dry disagreeing with him or, at the very least, questioning a lot of what he was saying. But by the final chapter, it seemed my arguing was over and I found myself appreciating his conclusions. This was a book that pushed back on some of what I've been thinking about how we change as followers of Christ and overall I found it quite helpful and thought-provoking.
May 10, 2022
Very helpful , clear and thought provoking . What is my goal in life ? To be more like Jesus . It’s not wishful thinking , it’s the reformation that’s actually happening in those who believe in and trust Him.
Life is hard , but we are being changed . 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
[16] So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. [17] For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, [18] as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Life is hard , but we are being changed . 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
[16] So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. [17] For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, [18] as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
December 16, 2024
I would rate this 3.5 if I could. It is a well examined and detailed book that presents a strong case of how Scripture works in progression to personal transformation and how it looks. Though there are some great points, I feel that it reiterates a lot of what history has already pointed to and described and just gives it from another point of view. The most compelling chapters define the hope of change in the OT and the act of change in the NT, but it gets lost in the quotations.
A good read if this the first book relating to this topic or if othet books are unconvincing, particularly, through the church age.
A good read if this the first book relating to this topic or if othet books are unconvincing, particularly, through the church age.
March 12, 2022
Wonderful treatment of sanctification rooted in justification. Millar excels in walking through key texts, important questions, and historical figures to build a robust biblical theology of transformation. While not "practical" in many places, the foundation is essential to build proper responses for lasting and accurate change.
October 10, 2023
Read this for seminary class. Good material but very slow.
October 12, 2024
The way the book is structured from OT, to NT, rebuttals & other theologians stand on personal transformation was great. It encourages you to think throughout the book.
December 2, 2024
The first half is great.
December 31, 2024
Not bad, but oversimplified solutions for growth and change. Also dragged a bit to me.
November 6, 2025
interesting read - gives a reformed biblical theology of personal change. well researched and readable.
December 4, 2025
Excellent
March 5, 2023
“Our God is committed to changing us and will recreate us in the likeness of the Lord Jesus Christ” (242). The question is, how? This book seeks to explore and define the process of sanctification. Millar discusses how theories of anthropology affect our understanding of personal transformation, surveys what change looks like in the Old Testament, the difference of the work of the Holy Spirit before and after the New Covenant, and looks at the contributions of past theologians and influencers on this topic.
Much space is given to Calvin and his successors. Millar’s summations were not always clear; he sometimes questioned the veracity of theories (e.g. but is this in the Bible?) yet didn’t make it clear whether he ultimately agreed or disagreed. The book has a short and sweet conclusion based solidly on Scripture that makes one question what the point was of chapter five.
Much space is given to Calvin and his successors. Millar’s summations were not always clear; he sometimes questioned the veracity of theories (e.g. but is this in the Bible?) yet didn’t make it clear whether he ultimately agreed or disagreed. The book has a short and sweet conclusion based solidly on Scripture that makes one question what the point was of chapter five.
June 20, 2023
Edit: I'm fairly certain that Millar blatantly plagiarized on the very first page of his work. I was reading a wikipedia article about the painter he references on the first page and Millar's entire first paragraph matches what the wikipedia page had. I even checked the edit history from before Millar's book was published and it was word for word what Millar had. Check it out https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?...
The author seems more like a theologian than an exegete. His exegesis is mostly superficial and he really just quickly surveys biblical passages rather than discussing them in depth. He spends an entire chapter on historical theology and also spends much time in his introduction surveying modern views of personal transformation. This book does have value, but in order to be a good book on biblical theology, it really needs to be more exegetically oriented. He could have spent much more time on promises of personal or corporate transformation in the Old Testament or spent several chapters on personal transformation in the New Testament.
I also think he downplays personal transformation in the narratives of the Hebrew Bible. I agree that in general, there is only limited transformation in the Old Testament, but it is still transformation that occurs through faith in God (I would argue that Abraham and possibly Joseph and Judah undergo personal transformations throughout the narrative).
Perhaps the most disappointing part of this book is how the author tries to make such a deeply spiritual topic as uninspiring as possible. He could have provided more encouragement at the end and throughout the book than he did, but he really just concluded along the lines of "personal transformation is tricky. We will be transformed to some degree in this life but not completely until the second advent."
The author seems more like a theologian than an exegete. His exegesis is mostly superficial and he really just quickly surveys biblical passages rather than discussing them in depth. He spends an entire chapter on historical theology and also spends much time in his introduction surveying modern views of personal transformation. This book does have value, but in order to be a good book on biblical theology, it really needs to be more exegetically oriented. He could have spent much more time on promises of personal or corporate transformation in the Old Testament or spent several chapters on personal transformation in the New Testament.
I also think he downplays personal transformation in the narratives of the Hebrew Bible. I agree that in general, there is only limited transformation in the Old Testament, but it is still transformation that occurs through faith in God (I would argue that Abraham and possibly Joseph and Judah undergo personal transformations throughout the narrative).
Perhaps the most disappointing part of this book is how the author tries to make such a deeply spiritual topic as uninspiring as possible. He could have provided more encouragement at the end and throughout the book than he did, but he really just concluded along the lines of "personal transformation is tricky. We will be transformed to some degree in this life but not completely until the second advent."
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