Does The Lord God accept us the way we are, with no willingness to change, or be changed? Or, does The Lord Jesus receive us unto Himself and cause us to be reborn, spiritually?
There seems to be a philosophy worming its way through our society today, concerning the concept that God accepts people just as they are. This same concept carries with it the idea that when someone comes to Christ, they not only come as they are, but that there is no need for change, or to be changed, from what the same person was prior to coming to Christ. My purpose today is to address this fallacy, for it is based on unsound doctrine. I do not intend to be legalistic or picky, but there is a vast difference in what many perceive as coming to God (without any change being enacted) and coming to God, with all our sins, and being transformed by the Power of God, through His Grace and Mercy. This occurs by way of our coming through repentance and faith in Christ and His Sacrifice for us on the cross.
No person comes to Christ and leaves the same as when he came. Either we allow Him to change us and save us, or we leave with our sins and condemnation that accompanies the refusal of His Grace and Mercy.
Among many other Scriptural references to this subject, Paul address it perfectly, in Romans 12: 1,2. When we come to Christ for salvation, there is both an exchange as well as a change, that takes place. We bring to Him our sins and guilt, and He gives us His Forgiveness and Mercy. This is the exchange. Paul wrote that we should present ourselves (our bodies) unto God a living sacrifice. Christ receives us as we are, but changes our nature, when we come to Him. We are born again, as Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3. This is the change. We experience a spiritual rebirth.
Paul goes on to say that we must not be conformed to this world, but transformed, by the renewing of our minds. This transformation takes care of the guilt associated with a life of sin and disgrace.
The rich young ruler left Jesus’ Presence sorrowful, because he refused to be obedient to The Lord. It was not because of the riches he possessed, but because he was too attached to those earthly possessions, that he could not yield himself up–he refused to allow a transformation to take place in his life. Jesus wanted to change Him, but he wouldn’t allow it.
No man is perfect, nor will we ever be until we stand in His Presence in heaven. Then our transformation will be complete, because He rose again from the grave so that we might live, also.
No hospital emergency room would refuse a patient because they need to clean up a bit before they come in; neither will God say the same to us. Bring your sins and guilt to Jesus, and He will receive you, just as you are. We come in repentance of our sinful life, and in faith that He is able to change us. Be willing to allow Christ to transform your life. He can and He will! This can take place right where you stand or sit. Give it to Him!
Jesse Prewitt's blog 