Salvation: A radical Transformation


When a person is converted, the changes are evident.

What is salvation? It is  justification by faith, being born again or forgiveness of sin. It converts the earth from bad to good. It happens when a person recognises that he is a sinner, confesses his sins to GOD, repents, forsakes them, and believes that the blood of JESUS, shed on the cross of Calvary washes away his sins, GOD forgives him. The Spirit of GOD will let him know. ‘’The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of GOD’’ (Romans 8:16). Conversion produces a noticeable difference in a life.

True Salvation makes a change, a real transformation. ‘’Therefore if any man be in CHRIST, he is a new creature: old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new’’ ( 2Corinthians 5:17). What are the old things that pass away at Salvation? The outward sinning ceases; the alcoholic no longer drinks, the drug addict no longer takes drugs; the thief stops stealing and the smoker stops using tobacco. The works of the flesh will no more be in his life. ‘’ Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envying, murders, drunkenness, reveling, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.’’

However, many people never commit sins of this type.  Yet, they too find that Salvation makes a change. The occasional curse word no longer slips out. ‘The white lies’ disappear. GOD will give him the power to go and sin no more. “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.”(1john 3:8-9). A few people who have not yet been converted even manage to live so there is no outward sign of sin in their lives, but they are still  sinners. The Bible says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6). Although there is no visible sin, a change of heart is still necessary. Salvation transforms the thoughts, desires, and attitudes. The difference may not be so noticeable to others, but the person himself will be aware of it.

When GOD takes the old thing out of a life, HE doesn’t leave a vacuum; HE puts in” Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” (Galatians 5:22-24). GOD changes a persons interests. The old associates and activities are replaced with Christian friends and a hunger for more of GOD. Reading the Bible becomes a daily necessity.

In place of turmoil in the heart, peace prevails.” Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:1&2). Joy that only GOD can give abides, even when circumstances are difficult. True happiness results from knowing God is in control and allows everything that happens in a Christian’s life. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

With salvation comes a desire to share this new-found experience, so that others will find this change of heart. There is also a determination to rectify past wrongs, and to make peace with enemies. Indeed, Salvation brings a transformation. It is a miraculous change made by GOD’s power. All the self-help efforts in the world cannot change the heart. But GOD can, when a person repents of his sins, asks for forgiveness, and believes GOD’s Promises.

Have you been converted? Have you experienced this transformation? If not, pray today. Ask GOD to change your heart. HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE!

…an extract from ‘What does the bible say about Salvation?’

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