Character Transformation and Restoring God's Image

God does not perform the willing or the doing for us as a substitute for our effort, but He provides His grace to work within us as we cooperate with Him to restore His divine image7MR 274.3+1. While the Lord gives every human agent a specific work to do, He never forces the will; rather, He invites us to surrender ourselves to Him so that our characters may be rebuilt after the divine similitudePCP 51.2+2.

The Necessity of Human Cooperation

True transformation of character requires a constant, active partnership between the divine and the human agent6BC 1058.3+1.

• Active Effort: We must act our part to make God's grace our own, as the Holy Spirit works in us so that we may work out our own salvation with fear and trembling Philippians 3:12-14MYP 147.2.

• The Power of Choice: If we are not inclined to follow divine directions, even an abundance of light from the Lord will be useless, because the human will must be inclined toward God's way6BC 1058.3.

• Struggling Against Inclination: Reformation involves a daily, hourly struggle against natural inclinations and impulses, requiring moral courage to war against selfPH096 10.1+1.

• The Role of the Will: Subjection to the will of Christ is actually the restoration of perfect manhood and the only way to gain true liberty of soulYI September 20, 1900, par. 7.

The Process of Character Transformation

Restoration is a progressive work that takes place as we fix our eyes upon the Savior and allow His Spirit to mold usST May 10, 1910, par. 8+2.

• Beholding Christ: By beholding the character of Jesus Christ, the human agent reaches for the highest standard of perfection, being changed from character to character into His likeness7MR 274.3+2.

• The Agency of Truth: The Word of God is the great instrument of transformation; however, merely reading it is not enough—the truth must be practiced to sanctify the soul John 17:17PUR December 22, 1904, par. 4+2.

• Divine Renovation: This moral renovation is a re-creation through the merits of Jesus Christ, bringing a clean thing out of an unclean and restoring the image of God in manEze 36:26+3.

• A New Heart: When we surrender, the Lord gives us a new heart and a new spirit, enabling us to live in an atmosphere of righteousness and mercyEze 36:26+2.

The Miracle of a Changed Life

The transformation of a human heart is a miracle that reveals the power of an ever-living SaviorHLv 273.3.

• Breaking Bondage: It is a miracle of grace when a wayward will yields to God, as enmity against Satan is not natural to the human heartHLv 273.3.

• Heavenly Joy: Angels are amazed and express rapturous praise when they behold the transformation of character in those who yield themselves to God Luke 15:7GRC 33.2.

• Refinement of Soul: The grace of Christ refines the soul, removes hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and brings the life into harmony with the divine standardSpTB17a 37.1+1.

God's ultimate object is the restoration of His image in the soul, and He stands ready to cooperate with every soul who will humbly seek His help Revelation 3:20SpTEd 30.1+2.