Formation is the noun form of the verb, “form or transform”. The Greek verb “metamorpháo,” meaning “to change inwardly in fundamental character,” is the root biblical word for our understanding of formation, from where we get our English word metamorphosis. To be “formed” means to be shaped or molded with creativity, power, and purpose towards a desired end. From the very beginning of the story of the Bible, the Triune God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit displayed their glory and love by making, shaping, and forming a beautiful creation with loving intent.
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit’s work of salvation is not only to save sinners out of death into eternal life in Jesus Christ, but to restore, remake, and re-form “Image Bearers” — women, men, girls, and boys — after the image and likeness of the true Image Bearer of God: Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:3). We are called “new creations in Christ” (2 Cor. 5:17), we are called to “put on our new selves” (Col. 3:10), and we are told that we are being transformed from one degree of glory to the next by the power of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18).