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NASB | 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life]. |
Bible Question:
He declined an invitation to church because, as he put it, he was afraid that he might “get saved or something”. Let us assume, if we can, that psychology is correct on this point, that change is always stressful. Add to that the fact the Bible says that salvation involves a change. We all know Ephesians 5:17. If all of that is true, then is it not reasonable that he should be afraid to get saved? It is probably not possible to tell someone ahead of time what change he will be subject to when he gets saved. One song I know laments like this: If I could only tell him as I know him My Redeemer who has lightened all my way If I could only tell how sweet his presence I am sure that you would make him yours today. But I can never tell him as I know him. Human tongue can never tell all love divine I only can entreat you to accept him You will know him only when you make him thine But when a person is saved, surely he gets to understand, as he experiences the changes! I have recently reestablished contact with that man after more than twenty (20) years, and he tells me he is saved now. And now, I ask this question, about him, and about saved people in general: According to the Bible, what change can we expect? |
Bible Answer: Aixen, Your question is a bit philosophical, but I think I understand your thoughts. I agree that one of the biggest fears of man, is the fear to change. We all resist change to one degree or another. Everyone has their own baggage in coming to the Lord, so some of us must "be changed" more than others. I can look back at my own testimony, and being honest, admit that I was "afraid I'd have to give up those things I enjoyed doing" if I turned to the Lord. Well, I did, but as the song goes, "the things of this world will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace." What I "feared", I'm now glad, to the praise of His glory that I did. He has changed me and continues to do so. So, according to the Bible, what change can we expect" The process is at least in part found in Romans 12:1-2: "Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Speaking the Truth in Love, BradK |