Let me repeat that – when you are born again, it is NOT a license. Can salvation be lost? There are arguments on both sides of this issue and scripture that seems to support both positions, but since scripture is neither confusing nor contradictory – it must be our understanding. However, this is not that discussion. What I’m saying, in this context, is that once you have been born again, you aren’t finished and you can’t use this status as a blanket ‘protection’ from all your wrong acts, especially willful ones.
James (2:26) talks about producing works that evidence your faith. I think the same suggestion can be applied here. In Paul’s writings, he talks many times about our walk and that it should represent who we are becoming as a result of being born again. Paul sets forth what we now need to do in Colossians 3, especially verses 3, 8, 10, 12-17. We are to … shine as lights in the world… (Philippians 2:15). From that directive it is more than apparent that we can be examples of all those things we have been redeemed from – we are to show forth what has happened.
While there are many arguments as to why we need to prove who we are, I think there are 2 major reasons. 1 is for ourselves. We need to know with a deep conviction the ‘why’ we accepted the Lord’s invitation as well as the ‘who’ the Lord is and lastly, who we are becoming. You can’t do this without a mindset of discovery and study. What was no longer is. 2Corinthians (2:17-21) tells us that we are now a new creation. And while this is true, we need to study to understand what we have become and how we go about doing this.
The other reason is as a witness to others. You speak volumes by your actions and when they bear witness to a changed life, this tells others that being born again is not a once off nor unimportant. You don’t need to say anything because your actions show forth this new creation when you walk (Ephesians 4:1-3). There is a saying that you may be the only Bible that another person will ‘read’. This is part of the motivation for your witness of a changed life.
…but, what do you believe?
