How to Be Transformed

Be transformed in Christ. God transforms our mind, will and emotions. He transforms us from within. Before we were transformed in Christ, we were conformed to this present evil world. Transformation is a change in our hearts through the Holy Spirit. We become a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).

Be transformed through the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The word of the gospel is the instrument for this transformation. The Holy Spirit is the agent who transforms us (1 Thessalonians 1:5). Knowing Jesus as our Lord is the result (Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 12:3).

Be transformed through the power of the Holy Spirit (John 3:8). The Holy Spirit works through the gospel of Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:5). No one could ever be transformed without the Spirit of God working in us. This transformation is by the Spirit of God changing our hearts.

Be transformed in Christ to understand the things of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14). We are enabled to see and believe the truth of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit transforms us in mind, will and emotions. New birth transforms us in Christ, by the grace of God to the glory of God.

Is Jesus Your Surety?

"Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant" (Hebrews 7:22). A surety is a guarantee. In Bible days, the word surety was used to describe someone who guaranteed another person's debt would be paid. All of us have a sin debt to God. The good news is Jesus paid it all. Your surety of salvation is Jesus Christ alone.

We all have a sin debt to God. We have broken God's law. Our conscience testifies as much. As your surety, because Jesus paid it all. You look to the cross of Jesus, where He died in your place. Your sin debt to God's justice was paid, not in part but the whole. You are free from a debt that you could never repay. 

Jesus is your surety to the promises of God. In the new covenant, God makes four promises to every believer, guaranteed through Jesus Christ (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:7-13). These promises are: (1) God will put His laws in your mind; (2) God will be your God and we are His people; (3) We will all know the Lord; (4) God will forgive your sins and remember them no more.

Jesus is your surety in the gospel. He died for your sins. He is risen from the dead for your justification. We are children of God by faith in the Lord Jesus (Galatians 3:26). Jesus intercedes for believers, that the Father will "keep them from the evil one" (John 17:15). This is the present day ministry of Jesus, as every believer's High Priest (Hebrews 7:20-25). Jesus shall return to glorify all who believe in Him (1 John 3:2). Your surety must be in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Good News In Christ

The word Gospel means good news. The good news is about our Lord Jesus Christ offered to all people everywhere (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-47). God sent his Son to die for our sins, and Christ was raised from the dead according to the Scripture (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Jesus Christ is the good news.

The good news is about the forgiveness of all our sins and life everlasting, through Jesus Christ our Lord. This good news is offered freely to all. It comes as the gift of God. "For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8).

The good news is about eternal life for all who believe through the resurrection of Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23; 10:9). Only the death of Jesus Christ at the cross can save us from the condemnation of our sins. The resurrection of Christ proves that Jesus is the Son of God by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 1:1-4). 

The good news of Jesus Christ is all spiritual blessings for us. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). Every blessing God has for us comes through faith in Jesus Christ our Lord.