The Renewing Of Our Mind VS Carnal Mind

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. - Romans 12:2

The word 'transform' comes from the word 'transfigure' which happened to Jesus when He was at the Mount of Transfiguration. His whole body was completely changed to a new form. That incident is a prophetic revelation of what every believer can be. The new form is what we, who are in Christ, is to be transfigured into. In Christ, we are a new creation. We have a new man that is no longer sinful but righteous.

Jesus' mind was completely renewed. Thus, His body was completely transfigured. We are meant to live and walk like Jesus. We are to be completely transformed (transfigured: changed into a new form) by the renewing of our mind.

The word 'renew' comes from the word 'anakainoō', which is 'to be changed into a new kind of life as opposed to the former corrupt state'. It is a complete change for the better. Mind renewal is NOT a process where we let our old mind be transformed by the Word. Our old mind can never be transformed because it is demonic in nature.

Romans 8:7 - Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.

A good example is when Jesus rebuked Peter as the latter used his natural (demonic) mind when Jesus told His disciples that He would suffer and die.

'But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”' - Matthew 16:23

According to Jesus, to think like men is to think against God. It is demonic in nature. Our old nature acts in accordance to the things of men (Satan). We can never think like God until Christ is in us. Now when we are in Christ, we have a new nature and a new mind: The mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16). Our old sinful nature and old mind are dead (Romans 6:6). We have a new nature (Ephesians 4:24; 2 Peter 1:4).

The Living Bible translates it well. 'Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a NEW and DIFFERENT person with a fresh NEWNESS in all you do and THINK.' - Romans 12:2

Mind renewal is not a process where our old mind is transformed to become new by the Word. It never happens. Mind renewal is to live out who we REALLY are: A new man with a new mind, already created in Christ. Let this new mind affect every area of our lives.

To the degree we live out the new mind, to that degree our body will be transfigured.