What is it about a Christian that makes him distinct from the non Christian? What fundamentally distinguishes a Christian from heathen? There are a multitude of items that may characterize the life of a Christian. Doctrinal beliefs, church membership, certain moral practices, clothing, entertainment, and a host of other distinctives may separate Christians from the world, but they do not define the essence of the Christian.
The real difference in the Christian and the heathen is a change in the fundamental nature of the Christian which materializes at conversion and is produced by the Holy Spirit. It is this metaphysical or supernatural change, which is entirely the work of God, that produces a “new creation.” (2 Corinthians 5:17). In essence God creates an entirely new person, distinct from the old. The spiritual metamorphosis is a gift of God through Jesus the Messiah which utterly recreates the “spiritual DNA” of the individual. Therefore, the essence of Christianity is the supernatural transformation that the Holy Spirit produces in the heart of the ungodly, i.e. mankind. (The theological term for this change is regeneration)
Genuine conversion is synonymous with a genuine change of nature. When the Holy Spirit enters a human (Acts 2:38, Ephesians 1:13) he recreates the heart-its attitudes and desires (1 Corinthians 6:11). A sure sign of true conversion is a fundamental change in attitude and desire. Incidentally, the prophets often looked forward to this day when the heart of man would be fundamentally changed by God. (Jeremiah 31:33, Ezekiel 36:26-27) Human will and education may have limited success reforming certain deviant behavior, but only God can systemically change passions, attitudes, desires, in other words the whole way that we are oriented towards God and His creation.
In concrete terms then, what are the marks or signs that one’s spiritual DNA has been recreated?
1. Repentance-Repentance marks a change in orientation toward sin and wickedness. Obviously, in this case, it is a fundamental turn away from sin. (Acts 2:38)
2. Faith-In this sense, faith is the other side of repentance. Repentance is turning away from sin, faith is turning towards God to receive Him as Lord and Savior. (Acts 20:21)
3. Desires & Attitudes-Ultimately our attitude towards God and His creation changes. Our life should be characterized by the character of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)
4. Love of the brethren. When the Holy Spirit indwells an individual there will be a sincere love for Christ’s body, the church. (Colossians 1:4)
In sum, it’s the transformative work and indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit that distinguishes the Christian from the heathen. This presence necessarily leads to a change of nature and a ‘new creation.’ |
