The greatest work of grace and sign or the miracle of God in man is the conversion of the sinner to a new life in Christ. It is not just a matter of turning over a new leaf, but a transformation of the soul. Without a change in the person's life, his conversion is suspect. Life forms, sin deforms, education informs, prison reforms, but Christ transforms!
Without God life has no meaning and purpose: "Unless you assume a God, the question of life's purpose is meaningless" (Bertrand Russell). If we are considered without reference to God we become a "useless passion" according to Jean-Paul Sartre. Blaise Pascal said that there is a vacuum in the soul that only God can fill. Enter God into the equation or put him into the Big Picture changes everything and gives us a whole new belief system or worldview. Our past is forgiven, our present is given meaning, and our future is guaranteed and secured forever!
When we are saved we are renewed from the inside out--God puts a new man in the suit, not just a new suit on the man! "Behold, all things are become new" (2 Cor. 5:17). What is new? Here's what:
Regeneration means a new nature; repentance means a new direction; faith means a new relationship; justification means a new standing or status quo in Christ; sanctification is a new state of being considered holy unto the Lord or being set apart for God's usage; perseverance means a new trust; and finally, glorification means new values and rewards and purpose in living (Isa. 49:7--which says we are created for God's glory--The Westminster Confession Shorter Catechism says the "chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.") We go "from glory to glory" according to 2 Cor. 3:18 and ultimate glorification will be achieved upon our final transformation into glorified bodies and ushering into the very presence of God. Soli Deo Gloria!
Without God life has no meaning and purpose: "Unless you assume a God, the question of life's purpose is meaningless" (Bertrand Russell). If we are considered without reference to God we become a "useless passion" according to Jean-Paul Sartre. Blaise Pascal said that there is a vacuum in the soul that only God can fill. Enter God into the equation or put him into the Big Picture changes everything and gives us a whole new belief system or worldview. Our past is forgiven, our present is given meaning, and our future is guaranteed and secured forever!
When we are saved we are renewed from the inside out--God puts a new man in the suit, not just a new suit on the man! "Behold, all things are become new" (2 Cor. 5:17). What is new? Here's what:
Regeneration means a new nature; repentance means a new direction; faith means a new relationship; justification means a new standing or status quo in Christ; sanctification is a new state of being considered holy unto the Lord or being set apart for God's usage; perseverance means a new trust; and finally, glorification means new values and rewards and purpose in living (Isa. 49:7--which says we are created for God's glory--The Westminster Confession Shorter Catechism says the "chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.") We go "from glory to glory" according to 2 Cor. 3:18 and ultimate glorification will be achieved upon our final transformation into glorified bodies and ushering into the very presence of God. Soli Deo Gloria!
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