I have blogged many times over the years about the actual operation of the transformation process. I am convinced beyond any doubt that the current view of the way in which the Holy Spirit transforms is way off the mark. It is an error that greatly retards the healthy growth of the church and Christianity. Here is the main view of transformation by evangelical Christianity. Once a person puts faith and trust in Jesus, the Holy Spirit allows that person to obey the law. Most don't require that the law be obeyed perfectly and they rely on 1 John 1:9. However, they most definitely teach that over all the Holy Spirit enables one to live more holy through a read and do method. This is a pathetic lie that keeps the believer bound.
What the New Testament clearly and concisely teaches is that the Holy Spirit uses the message of the gospel to transform the individual through love, joy, and peace. It is made clear by Paul in Galatians 5:19 thru verse 26. Paul contrasts the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. If the above view of transformation, accepted by evangelical Christianity were correct, Paul would have contrasted the works of the flesh with the WORKS of the Spirit. He did not do that. There are absolutely NO works of the Spirit. The fact is that the Holy Spirit produces fruit. The evangelical view erroneously explains that the fruit of the Spirit is enabling one to do the works of the law. Paul however states that by the works of the law, NO ONE will be justified/righteous.
So let's look more closely at Romans 14:17. Paul is addressing the eating of meats from the shambles. These were meat markets that sold the leftover meats that portions had been sacrificed to idols in the pagan temples. There is a larger point however. Paul reinforces the way in which transformation takes place. The kingdom is established by righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.
First look at righteousness. The Greek word is dikaiosune and it means justified. It is related to the word dikaioo found in Romans 5:1 which states the following, "Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." It is declared righteousness that Romans 14:17 is referring too as we know from Paul's writing, that declared righteousness is the only righteousness one can have. Isaiah had explained to those under the old covenant that all of their righteousness was as filthy rags. Declared righteousness is the first key step in real transformation. The reason is that it brings peace with God. What is meant by peace with God? It means that one no longer has to fear God because they have been declared righteous. What is the natural out-flowing of peace with God? The answer is joy.
Further to the point, being declared righteous, having peace with God, and the joy that brings promotes love for God which is the catalyst for transformation. This is precisely how the Holy Spirit uses the gospel of grace to bring about real transformation in the believing saint. This is likewise why it is imperative that all saints, baby and seasoned, continuously hear the gospel of grace. They need it reinforced continually, and this is really the main reason that saints should assemble. If this does not happen on a regular basis, and the saints are subjected to the law; the opposite will happen.... they will be killed by the letter after having been brought to life by the Spirit through the gospel.
The key in all of this is the security that is fostered by being declared righteous/justified. It is why those who twist the scripture to teach that one can lose salvation are playing a a role as pawns of Satan the accuser of the brethren. This doctrinal position NEVER allows for the Holy Spirit to bring about real and lasting transformation. Personal reformation, based on a read and do mentality that is anchored in fear, can NEVER promote real true love for God. The fact is that no one can truly love one that they fear. There is always an amount of resentment that accompanies fear. This means that for those not resting in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost can NEVER really obey the first and greatest commandment; "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." The ONLY way that one could ever fulfill this command is by believing the gospel truth, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, and that he made the one who knew no sin to be made sin for the rest of humanity so that they in turn might be MADE the righteousness of God in him.
Because, this being the widespread doctrine of evangelical Christianity whether they teach eternal security or not, the real transformation process is thwarted and still born. My prayer is that there will be an awakening to the real gospel of grace, which is the real gospel of Christ, which is the real gospel of God.
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