The Spiritual Transplant
Ezekiel 36:26
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
The Christ-Filled Change
Romans 10:8-10
But what does it say? “The Word is near you; It is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.
Neither our good deeds, acts of kindness, nor our charitable donations will grant us access to the heavenly places where God's eternalness is. Only this in Romans 10:8-10>Believe with our hearts and Speak our belief out loud. Justification takes place in the heart; Salvation takes place in the mouth.
If, when we come to Christ for our salvation, but do not shout it from the rooftops nor whisper it in someone's ear nor speak what we believe aloud, are we then not saved? Have you told someone about the change God has wrought in you? And how God is still changing you? Does your life reflect your belief?
The Holy Spirit Changed Lifestyle
1 Peter 1:14-16
As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
Isaiah 35:8
And there will be a highway called The Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it--only those who walk in the Way--and fools will not stray onto it.
2 Corinthians 7:1
Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Holiness is a process. Like the seed that becomes a full grown plant (flower, tree, grain), time is essential to become holy. Patience is not only a virtue, it is required. Contentment with the portion of faith in God's ability to keep His promises to us is part of the process.
Holiness is a necessity. Without holiness no one can see God. And who doesn't want to see God? I want to see God and live with Him eternally. I believe that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD. And I want The Holy Spirit to continue to work in me, on me, and through me to perfect me in holiness. I will raise in life triumphant. Will you rise with me?
