A Christ-Centered Concept About Change, Part 3

A Christ-Centered Concept About Change, Part 3

"And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." — 1 Corinthians 6:11

In our last time together, I declared that our consideration of change must start with the one who cannot change—God and our Lord Jesus Christ. We also discussed the colossal consequences that came upon all of mankind due to the first couple's catastrophic change in direction, as they disregarded God’s command and call to obedience.

Genesis 2:16-17
"And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."

Yet, when the image-bearers of the Infinite One deliberately fell into the deep ditch of sin, God did not change. His considerable compassion, limitless love, and mercy for mankind persisted. Subsequently, He took steps to deliver us from our demise.

1 Timothy 1:15
"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."

Repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is God the Father’s perfect path of change for the purpose of restoring a relationship with Him. Therefore, let’s look at the kind of change that we don’t have to hate or fear but can love and comfort ourselves in.

John 1:12
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:"

When our Father God gave us the right to be His children, change was immediately initiated for our good and His glory. We are no longer born as polluted progeny but are blessed to be born again into an incorruptible lineage from the Lord, one that lives forever.

1 Peter 1:3
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

1 Peter 1:23
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever."

Our concepts change. Our outlook changes. Our morals align and move with our Master. And our behaviors change to adhere to and align with the Word of God.

In addition, as the Holy Spirit leads and works within us, we realize that "the reprobate old man has been removed and regeneration is happening in real time!"

2 Corinthians 5:17
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

As children of God, we have been gifted with the GOOD HAND OF GOD for change, which is a consecrating and constant process. Consequently, we will grow in knowledge, faith, and holiness. For growth to be a reality, it requires the change that comes from Christ.

Not a sermon, just some thoughts.

FtGG