THE GREAT REAGENT

 "Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come ." 2 Corinthians 5:17‭-‬ GNB

Several years ago, when new converts in the Island of Madagascar were asked what first led them to think of becoming Christians. The answer usually was that the changed conduct of others who had become Christians was what first arrested their attention. They say: “We knew this man to be a thief; that one was a drunkard; another was very cruel and unkind to his family. Now they are all changed. The thief is an honest man; the drunkard is sober and respectable; and the other is gentle and kind in his home. There must be something in christianity that can work such changes.” (The Biblical Museum, Volume II, J. C. Gray) 

In organic chemistry, the term "reagent" denotes a chemical ingredient introduced to cause the desired transformation or changes in an organic substance. After the eviction of man from the garden of Eden, it became obvious that man desperately needed help as his original configuration had been tampered with or deformed (Genesis 3:23-24, Romans 3:23). Then, God introduced Jesus Christ as the only potent reagent that is capable of causing the desired transformation in the life of man (Acts 4:12, John 3:16). Anyone who genuinely embrace this great reagent (Jesus Christ) will be drastically changed or transformed from inside out (2 Corinthians 5:17‭).

There are many instances of such  transformation in the Bible. For example, Saul of Tarsus was actively persecuting Christians until the great reagent (Jesus Christ) met him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-30). Then, all the nature of "The Terrorist" in him died and he became "The Apostle" publicising the gospel of Jesus Christ that he had zealously persecuted and condemned in the past. What an amazing turnaround! Also, a single encounter with Jesus Christ transformed Zacchaeus the renown thief to a disciple of Jesus Christ (Luke 19:1-11). What a great transformation! 

"And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the son of God" Acts 9:20 (KJV)

Beloved, have you had a genuine encounter with that great reagent or are you still pretending that you have met the saviour? Is your life pointing people to God or chasing them away from the narrow path? Have you experienced the undeniable transformation that Zacchaeus and Saul of Tarsus experienced? You can experience that great transformation now if you dare to genuinely embrace the great reagent - Jesus Christ. If you do, the Holy Spirit will change your innermost being to conform to the image of His only begotten son (2 Corinthians 3:18). Then, through the continuous transformation on your inside, your life will be transformed outwardly to attract multitude into His kingdom.

"We show the power of the Lord to other people..... He is changing us so that we become more and more like him. We show how great God is more and more clearly. It is the Lord who does all this, by the work of his Spirit".- 2 Corinthians 3:18 (EASY)

One powerful hymn that re-echoes God's desire to transform us is titled "God's Intention is to Have Us". Please prayerfully meditate on the lyrics of this wonderful hymn below and trust the Holy Spirit to begin an unending work of transformation in your soul, spirit and body today till you finish your race on earth in Jesus name. 

GOD'S INTENTION IS TO HAVE US by Witness Lee

God’s intention is to have us  

All conformed to His dear Son; 

Thus a work of transformation  

By the Spirit must be done.

Chorus:

       Lord, transform us to Thine image  

       In emotion, mind, and will; 

       Saturate us with Thy Spirit,   

       All our being wholly fill.

God hath us regenerated 

In our spirit with His life; 

But He must transform us further-  

In our soul by His own life

Spreading outward from our spirit  

Doth the Lord transform our soul,

By the inward parts renewing,  

Till within His full control.

By the power of His Spirit  

In His pattern He transforms; 

From His glory to His glory  

To His image He conforms.

He transforms, all sanctifying,  

Till like Him we are matured; 

He transforms, our soul possessing,  

Till His stature is secured.

It is my prayer that God will help us to truly surrender to the great reagent for His amazing work of transformation. And may our lives become a signpost directing unbelievers to the only true God and His redemption plan for humanity. 

Good day and God bless you.(Amen)

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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