Biblomorphism Article 6 – Transfiguration

Bible Verse – Philippians 3:20-21
Species – Butterfly

When the Apostle Paul chose the word, “Metamorph” (2 Corinthians 3:18) to describe the event of transfiguration in the Christian’s life, he undoubtedly was aware of the change which occurs in a caterpillars life when it becomes a butterfly.

The caterpillar is a gross little creature confined by gravity to a life of boredom and tedious munching of leaves; it is almost entirely unworthy of interest and love. However, the caterpillar accepts the lot it has been given, and seeks after no more.

Until one day, through a process not understood by the caterpillar, it enters into a cocoon and a change begins inside and out of the caterpillar. Through no workings of the caterpillar, one orchestrated entirely by God, the caterpillar emerges from its cocoon, not as an unbecoming caterpillar, but as a beautiful butterfly.

The butterfly has very little to do with its old self. It is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. The butterfly has been loosed from the law of gravity, it is beautiful, gracefilled, and awe-inspiring.

When considering the use of Paul’s description of radical and complete changes in the Christian’s life, coupled with the undeniable glory exhibited by the transfiguration of the butterfly, the theology of regeneration matches with the philosophy in the metamorphosis of the butterfly.

If you are still a caterpillar, the cocoon is a terrifying proposition of change, the Bible goes so far as calling it, “Dying to yourself”, I am tempted to say the cocoon looks like a death shroud for a reason. This is an easy thing to describe; but the hardest thing you will ever do. When you die to yourself, God promises you a new heart (Ezekiel 11:9), you will be reborn into the family of God (John 3:3), and you will be allowed to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5). You will emerge from your cocoon and be a transfigured butterfly (2 Corinthians 3:18), bearing upon you the image of God’s glory (Galatians 6:17).