Becoming Changed
As we contemplate the idea of “change” perhaps we need to be reminded that from our very conception we have been changing. What started out as a sperm cell united with an egg has “transformed” through the process God initiated which culminates in the process called birth. Following this, if we receive the proper nutrition and sustenance for life, change continues.
This is readily apparent, especially for those who have known each other over the years, as the physical change due to growth, age, weight gain, loss of hair etc. is evident during the time we have together here on earth. Cells continue to function and divide; some slower or faster than others and as various stimuli is applied to these cells, the speed of change is affected. All of this is physical, and there is only so much we can do to slow down, speed up or alter these changes. In other words, we didn’t, or don’t have absolute control or choice in this situation.
However, there is another kind of change that can occur. It is one that is of utmost importance. It is also one in which we have full control over and in which we can make choice to participate or not. That is the “spiritual” change that all need to have occur before they can have true hope. God does not initiate that change, but has provided the means for it if one will but seek it. This is evidenced in Joshua 24:14-15 when Israel was given the choice to change. Notice that their change was fully dependent upon their choice. Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. 15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. This shows that Joshua had already been changed, as he had made his choice.
But how does this apply to us today, in this age? Well, let’s compare the physical and the Spiritual a bit. Perhaps then we might understand better. In birth (physically) we had not choice. Yet from a spiritual standpoint we have full choice. In John 3:5-7 Jesus told Nicodemus of a choice that brings about a change in all who participate. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Then, after we have become changed by the blood of Christ in baptism and have become Christians, we still have choices to make. In Romans 12:2, written to Christians, is the warning to continue to properly choose so as to affect the proper change. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.To not conform to the world is a choice. So is renewing the mind. Our minds only respond to what we allow to be put into them. In fact, in 1John 2:15-17 we (Christians) are commanded to maintain the “change” that occurred within each of us when we were baptized into Christ. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Those who have not obeyed the gospel may very well have undergone some change, as all undergo physical change throughout their lives. But one who has not been obedient to God and His Word have not participated in a “spiritual change”. They may have made some efforts toward becoming a better person, or even done some of the things required in obeying, but if they have not done all, they have not been changed. For instance, we read in Romans 10:10 that confession is “unto” salvation. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. If one has: heard, believed, repented, and confessed, they have not been changed. It is not until one is baptized “into” Christ that the change occurs spiritually as Galatians 3:27 directs our minds. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Another passage, 2Corinthians 5:17, shows the impact of this spiritual change which takes place when one is “born again”. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Then in the 18th verse we read it is “through Christ” that we are reconciled to God. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; Doesn’t it make sense that one must be “in Christ” to be reconciled (restored) to God?
Jesus paid the price so we could be restored to God after we have allowed ourselves to be separated from God because of sin. Don’t go “unchanged” into eternity. To do so means you always will be separated from God. Seek His Word for the change you need to make, and make it before it is too late. Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
