"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).
There is an intriguing response when new converts in the Island of Madagascar were asked what first make them consider becoming Christians. They usually say that the changed conduct of others who had become Christians was what first caught 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. A thief is an honest man; the drunkard is sober and respectable; and the other is gentle and kind in his home. In their opinion, there must be something amazing in Christianity that can make such changes possible.” (The Biblical Museum, Volume II, J. C. Gray)
In organic chemistry, the term "reagent" denotes a chemical ingredient introduced to cause the desired changes in an organic substance. After the eviction of man from the garden of Eden, it became obvious that there was the need to change the defiled nature of man to what it was before he erred (Genesis 3:23-24, Romans 3:23). Therefore, God introduced Jesus Christ as the only potent reagent that is capable of causing the desired changes 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).
"Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come" 2 Corinthians 5:17 (GNB)
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). Instantly, all the nature of "The highly dreaded Terrorist" in him died and he became "The Apostle" publicizing the gospel of Jesus Christ that he had zealously persecuted and condemned in the past. Also, after the great reagent touched the destiny of Zacchaeus that renowned thief, he became a disciple of Jesus Christ (Luke 19:1-11). Obviously, these are undeniable testimonies of great transformations!
Friends, Christianity is a journey of transformation from glory to glory. Where are you on this awesome journey today? Are you still being changed into the image of Christ or you have abandoned this journey? 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 multitudes into His kingdom.
The lyrics of this powerful song below re-echoes God's desire to transform us into the image of His Son:
FROM GLORY TO GLORY HE'S CHANGING ME By Alan Hall
From glory to glory He's changing me
Changing me, changing me
His likeness and image too perfect in me
The love of God shown to the world
For He's changing, changing me
From earthly things into heavenly
His likeness and image too perfect in me
The love of God shown to the world
By the power of the Holy Spirit, may our journey of glorious transformation never end until Christ returns to take us home. May our lives become a permanent signpost directing unbelievers to the only true God and His redemption plan for humanity in Jesus' name.
Good day and God bless you, Amen
Maranatha!
Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo
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Twitter: @tammytaiwo
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