Spiritual Transformation

Spiritual Transformation is a study of St Paul's Letter to the Romans, chapter 12, by Viola Yassa, for servants and every Christian who wants their beliefs to shape the way they live.

Romans is St Paul's most systematic presentation of the Gospel. In chapters 1 to 8 he explains human sinfulness and the forgiveness we have in Christ. In chapters 9 and 10 he faces a hard question: most Jews were rejecting the Gospel, which made others wonder whether God is faithful to His promises. In chapter 11 he affirms that God has a surprising plan for the people of Israel.

After eleven chapters of deep theology, St Paul turns in chapter 12 from doctrine to duty, from creed to conduct, and from belief to behaviour. In effect he says, "In light of what God has done, here is how we should live." It is a chapter of action, and its message is simple: beliefs should change behaviour.

St Paul writes that we should be a living sacrifice, transformed in our minds so that we please God and do His will. He describes the attitudes that should mark believers: humility, service, love and peace. Sincere love fills the whole chapter, making it in some ways another "love chapter" like 1 Corinthians 13.

Book details

• Author: Viola Yassa
• Format: Printed book
• Pages: 168
• Published: 2018, St Shenouda Press
• ISBN: 9780648281436