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NASB | Galatians 5:16 ¶ But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Galatians 5:16 ¶ But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts]. |
Bible Question: i often wonder how important character change is to christians. is it possible for believers to walk in the Spirit? if so, how? |
Bible Answer: demonkilla: What you call 'character change' the Bible calls the new birth in Christ, being born again, or regeneration, as theologians call it. How important is it to Christians? It's absolutely vital. One who has not undergone a 'character change' (experienced the new birth) is no Christian at all. Jesus said, "Most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Why is the new birth necessary? "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). In Adam's sin man lost his innocence, incurred the penalty of spiritual and physical death, and became subject to the wrath of God. He became inherently corrupt and incapable of doing what which is acceptable to God apart from divine grace. Man is therefore hopelessly lost, cannot save himself, and is wholly dependent for his salvation upon God's grace made manifest through the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus "Whom God set forth as a propitiation (Gr. hilasterion, that which expiates) by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God has passed over the sins that were previously committed" (Romans 3:25). Other references: Genesis 2:16,17; 3:1-19; John 3:36; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 1 Cor. 2:14; Eph. 3:1-3; 1 Tim. 2:13,14; 1 John 1:8. ..... Your other question is, "Is it possible for believers to walk in the Spirit?" .... Yes, and it is commanded that they do. "Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16). ..... And you ask, "How?" Your question points out the necessity to obey the command of 2 Timothy 2:15 so that we will know the "hows" of leading the Christian life, of following Christ. First comes justification, an act of God by which He declares righteous before Him those who, through faith in His Son, repent of (turn away from) their sins and confess Him as sovereign Lord. Next comes sanctification, which is both positional and instantaneous as well as progressive. It is this latter work of the Holy Spirit, progressive sanctification, that enables the regenerate believer to walk in the Spirit. There are a great number of passages in Scripture that touch on the subject of sanctification, both positional and progressive. Here are a few of them for your study and consideration: Acts 20:32; 1 Cor. 1:2, 30; 6:11; 2 Thess. 2:13; Heb. 2:11; 3:1; 10:10-14; 13:12; 1 Pet. 1:2; John 17:17,19; Rom. 6:1-22; 2 Cor. 3:18; 1 Thess. 4:3,4; 5:23; Gal. 5:16-25; Eph. 4:23-24; Phil. 3:12; Col. 3:9,10; 1 Pet. 1:14-16; 1 John 3:5-9. --Hank |