Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again[b] he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.[c]7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You[d] must be born again.’
John 3:3-7
In a time when our society promotes the narrative that our identity is defined by our failures and that change is unnecessary, it’s crucial for believers to remember that salvation forms the bedrock of our identity. Beyond merely changing, God commands us to undergo transformation and become new creatures.
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 NIV
Newness forms the bedrock of our faith. The transformative power of God concerning our sinful nature defines us as Christians. If faith no longer brings about transformation and we are content with remaining ‘as is,’ succumbing to the dictates of our sinful nature, then what purpose does Christ serve? Did Christ come to validate our fleeting emotions, or did His example aim to prioritize our purpose over momentary feelings? Consider if Christ had given in to His emotions in the Garden of Gethsemane; there would be no cross, and therefore, no remission of sins. So why, in this age, are we reshaping the Gospel of Jesus Christ to align with worldly ideas that promote fluid identities rather than a firm prerequisite for purpose? Your existence on this earth extends beyond mere feelings. It’s about taking authority and fulfilling a divine purpose. Remember, you were purchased at a price – the precious blood of Jesus Christ – and in Him, you find completeness.
The notion of transformation through faith remains central to the Christian faith. It’s not merely about an instantaneous conversion, but an ongoing process of renewal and growth. Our faith journey involves a continual pursuit of alignment with God’s will, shedding the old self, and embracing the new identity found in Christ. It’s a call to live out the values and character that reflect the transformative power of God’s love and grace in our lives.
Embracing this transformative process allows us to step into the fullness of our divine purpose. We’re not called to conform to the ever-shifting patterns of the world but to renew our minds according to the will of God. This isn’t about denying our emotions but rather aligning them with a higher purpose and truth found in Christ. By understanding that our completeness is found in Him, we’re liberated from the pressures of conforming to the world’s changing standards.
Remember, the essence of the Christian faith is rooted in the concept of being transformed by the renewing of our minds. It’s an invitation to embrace a life that transcends momentary feelings and desires, finding fulfillment in the eternal promises of God. As we journey in faith, let’s hold firm to the truth that our identity in Christ is unwavering and our purpose is anchored in His transformative love.
