Transformation

Just as a butterfly is completely transformed from its former caterpillar state, when we truly accept Christ there is a dramatic transformation in our lives. I have been listening to John MacArthur's sermon series, "The Way to Heaven" the past two days. This series so challenges the thinking of the modern day "church" concerning salvation. The text in this series is Matthew 7:13-29. In this passage, Jesus is bringing his Sermon on the Mount to a close. This is the passage of Scripture that Dr. Sewell was preaching from the night I received Christ as my Savior in February of 1981. There are so many people sitting in church who have gone forward, said a prayer, filled out a card and believe that they are saved, but there has been no evidence of a transformation in their lives. That is the point that I was at!! I had gone to church probably every Sunday since my birth. I had made a "profession of faith" at least 3 times in my childhood. I had been baptized at least 3 times. I sang in the choir, worked in children's church, grew up in the Youth group, was attending Bible College, but I did not know Christ. Yes, there was a head knowledge of who He was and what He did for me, but I did not give my life to Him until I came face to face with the truth of verses 21 to 23 - "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

Thank you, Father, for loving me enough to reach down into a church pew and show me that I needed you. I had so long given lip service to You, but my life was not surrendered to your will. Please continue to transform me into the likeness of your Son so that others who find themselves sitting in the pew without you may also see their need.

"The only validation you will ever have of your salvation is a life of obedience." - John MacArthur