Spiritually Renewed

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

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" (Titus 3: 5)

The Apostle Paul exhorts Christians to continue to transform their thinking and their lives. Spiritual transformation of soul is a radical change to the inner being of a man.

In being "regenerated" in spirit, in being "born again" (John 3: 3-5), a man undergoes a spiritual metamorphosis, in thought, in his "worldview," and in his conduct and course.

King Solomon said - "As a man thinks, so is he (in conduct)." (Proverbs 23: 7)

Whatever a man says is either confirmed or denied by his actual conduct. A man's actions "speak louder than words," revealing the true thinking of a man.

Thus this spiritual transformation of heart, mind, and soul, is closely associated with what is called the "renewing of the mind (thoughts)." It is also closely associated with the word "repentance" (Greek - 'metanoia'), which literally means a "change of mind."

To "conform one's self (i.e. one's mind and character) to another's pattern," or to "fashion one's self according to," or "to shape one thing like another," is the essence of what it means to "be conformed to" something.

The Christian is one who is "not conformed to this world," to its atheistic and anti-Christian way of thinking, but is rather conformed to Christ and to another world, one that is spiritual and heavenly.

For the Christian, the transformation is ongoing and increasing, though gloriously and radically begun in his regeneration and birth of the Spirit.

"For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." (II Corinthians 4: 16)

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are (being) changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (II Corinthians 3: 18)

We have the constant need, as Christians, to work daily at obeying the apostle's exhortation that said "...and be renewed in the spirit of your mind" (Ephesians 4: 23).

This is done, not by the Christian's own self-will or strength, but by the will, grace and strength of God in Christ, all working in him, as it is said elsewhere - "the Lord working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight." (Hebrews 13: 21)

"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. " (Philippians 2: 12, 13)

The Greek word for "renewed" means, according to Strong -

1) to cause to grow up, new, to make new
a) new strength and vigour is given to one
b) to be changed into a new kind of life as opposed to the former corrupt state

Thus, one who has been spiritually renewed in mind has begun a new life. Lord God does a marvelous work in the inner man when he renews and transforms the heart of the lost sinner. To experience this grand transformation, one must pray as did King David.

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalm 51: 10)

Having been enabled by God's grace to pray that prayer, one finds that the Lord fulfills his word again that says - "Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth." (Psalm 104: 30); And, "Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's." (Psalm 103: 5)

The initial Christian salvation experience starts with transformation, and is summed up in these words of the apostle.

"Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him" (Colossians 3: 9, 10)

Friend, are you conformed to this world? in your thoughts, words, and deeds? Has such a course brought you peace and joy and hope for the future? I urge you to pray as did King David and ask Lord God to renew and transform you into the glorious image of the Lord Jesus Christ.