We wrapped our 4-week series on Titus yesterday. As I've been reflecting on the major themes we've discussed, one thing keeps coming back to the surface more than any other. In Titus 2:14, Paul declares that Christ "gave his life to free us...." And then in 3:5 he reminds Titus that Christ "washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit". As the church, we spend lots of time (and energy and money) asking people "Have you been saved?". Not that this isn't an important question - with eternal life being a bit significant - but perhaps there should be exhorted a little more often to ask ourselves, "Am I being CHANGED?".
Take a look at more BIBLICAL reasons I believe this is the case:
"And how can we be sure that we belong to Him? By obeying His commandments." 1 John 2:3-6
"...those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life is begun!" 2 Corinthians 5:14-17
"...let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." Romans 12:1-2
As Christ-followers it's not just a question of "Were you changed?" but "Are you being changed?" The transformational life that Christ desires for you is not some "one-time, Wham-O, Ka-Pow-ee! and it's done" sort of thing. When we come to Christ - when we trust in Him to save us and free us - when we believe that His atoning work on the Cross paid it ALL - our standing with God is forever changed. But our condition is in constant need of being transformed. Constant!
I know, we desperately want people to know Christ, and we want to rescue people from eternal separation from God. So does He! But this doesn't change what Christ asks or requires of us to come to Him. And He is not willing to compromise or bend those standards to make it easier for you, me, or anyone else. Period.
So, are you being changed?
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