The Case for Christ (Movie Reflection Pt. 3) - The Power of Transformation
As we continued walking through The Case for Christ, this week’s reflection turns to one of the most beautiful themes of the Christian journey: The Power of Transformation.
We’ve watched Leslie’s story unfold—from an unbeliever shaken by a near-tragedy, to a seeker drawn toward faith, to a woman baptized, praying, and interceding for her husband. Her journey is a reminder that genuine faith is not static. There should be a clear line between where we began with Christ and where we are today.
So we ask ourselves: Is there evidence of transformation in our own lives?
Positional and Practical Righteousness
When we first believe, Scripture declares that we are new creations in Christ: “The old life is gone; a new life has begun” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This is what we might call positional righteousness—the legal reality that God now sees us through the blood of Jesus.
But transformation doesn’t stop there. There is also practical righteousness—the daily process of becoming more like Christ by walking with the Holy Spirit. He gently convicts us, addresses areas of sin, and reshapes our character as we yield to Him. Transformation is not about trying harder; it’s about staying close enough to Jesus that we begin to resemble Him.
Signs of Transformation
How do we know if we are growing in Christ? Three signs stand out:
A greater love for people. Leslie’s husband, though skeptical, could sense something was different in her—she loved him more than before. The more we behold Jesus, the more His compassion for the lost and broken becomes our own.
A change in appetite. True transformation changes what we hunger for. Old desires lose their grip, and a new appetite for God’s word and His presence grows in us. As Hebrews 5 warns, we cannot remain spiritual infants forever—we must grow into maturity, craving the solid food of God’s truth.
A renewed mind. Transformation reshapes how we think. Leslie clung to Ezekiel 36, declaring God’s promise of a new heart for her husband. In the same way, when we meditate on Scripture long enough, it renews our perspective and equips us to face life’s battles with God’s truth.
Becoming What We Behold
Transformation happens as we behold Christ. We become what we fix our eyes on. Just as couples who live together for years begin to resemble one another, so too do believers begin to look more like Jesus as they spend time in His presence.
Our transformation, then, is not just for us—it is a testimony to others. When people notice the change in us, it becomes an access point for the gospel. Our lives alone are not the gospel, but they can point people to the One who is.
Our Call
The power of transformation is this: Christ takes what was broken, sinful, and lost, and makes it new. He is able to renew minds, change appetites, and shape hearts to reflect His love.
So we ask: Who do we resemble? Who have we become since we first believed? If we truly behold Christ, then others will see Him in us.
And for those still searching—wondering if true change is possible—the answer is yes. No one is too far gone. The same God who transformed Saul the persecutor into Paul the apostle can transform any life today.