By Bob Jackson
The word “reform” is defined as “to correct, change, or improve.” The word “transform” is defined as “to change the form of” like that of a caterpillar that changes form completely to a butterfly. While there is change in reformation, it is not the total change of form that is accomplished in transformation, Romans 12:1,2.
The text for our thoughts is found in Philippians 2:12,13. These verses read as follows, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
Religion Reforms
Converting to a religion, any religion, brings about certain changes. Jesus said that the scribes and Pharisees compassed sea and land to make one proselyte, and that when they had made this proselyte, he was two-fold more a child of hell than themselves (Matthew 23:15). No doubt those who converted to the Jewish religion, the Pharisee sect, changed their behavior to fit in with this group. The religion of Islam is said to be the fasting growing religion in America. What a sad and also a frightening thing this is. But when a person converts to Islam, they have to make, and do make, certain changes in their lifestyle. They pray the required number of times in the day, and they reject the eating of certain foods, and they reject as immoral certain types of behavior that are commonly accepted in our society. We understand that many in the prison population in America convert to become Black Muslims. Once again, those who convert to that religion change certain things in their lives. Obviously, it is not God who is changing these lives, but there are changes that take place. These changes are occurring because of the reformation that religion causes in lives. This also means that a person could convert to Christianity, meaning to accept the Christian religion as his own, and change his behavior to conform to certain acceptable standards. Surely we all recognize that there are areas in our lives that need to be improved or changed (reformed). The Scripture is clear that we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God, Romans 3:10-12,23; Ecclesiastes 7:20. Religious teaching and religious groups offer help to improve our lives. Colossians 2:20-22 reads, “Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which are all to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrine of men?” Even though it is not classified as a religion by many, Alcoholics Anonymous has helped many that were addicted to drink. If you follow their 12-step plan, you can be free from yielding to the addiction. Included in their plan is the acknowledgment of a “higher power.” (Of course, this “higher power” could be anything you think him/it to be.) This group becomes the religion of some people. Some mistakenly believe they have been saved when they have victory over their addiction. Yet, if a person does not receive Jesus Christ as his own personal Savior, he is not saved no matter from what addiction he has been freed. Religions have certain standards of behavior that are expected of their adherents. And the lives of many people are reformed because they have converted to a religion. (The true believer in Jesus Christ has a whole Book of standards to which we need to conform [Romans 12:1,2], but this can truly be accomplished only through the power of God.)
Commitment to the principles of the religion will cause reformation in lives. It is man changing himself with the help of the religion. Colossians 2:23 reads, “Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. ” The will of man determines to follow the religious teachings, “a shew of wisdom in will worship.” Our will accomplishes whatever reforms in our lives we are willing to allow. This means, of course, that we are still the ones who are in control of our own lives. We will go only so far, and no farther. But, our lives are reformed, because we, through our own will, have adhered to certain religious teachings. These reforms will last so long as the religious individual stays committed to this religion. If his commitment to the religion wanes, then the reforms are lost. Sadly, and yet truly, the change that is wrought through religion is not the eternal change of God’s salvation.
I am convinced that many, even in Independent Fundamental Baptist churches, have converted to a religion. Their changes are those caused by the reformation of religion. It is the will of the person, and the adaptation to the religion that have caused the reforms, but they have never truly repented and received Jesus Christ as their own personal Savior.
Regeneration Transforms
The word “regeneration” means “form again, or reborn.” As we think once again of Philippians 2:12,13, we see three things that cause the transformation in our lives and eternal existence as the result of this regeneration we have received.
First, there is the presence of God in our lives. Philippians 2:13 talks about “...God...in you...” we receive the presence of God into our lives when we are truly born again. John 14:16,17 tells us about receiving the Holy Spirit. Jesus told His disciples that only those who knew Him could ever receive the Holy Spirit. Colossians 1:27 says that “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Romans 8:9 makes it clear that a person who does not have the Holy Spirit of God living within him is not a child of God. Romans 8:16 tells us that we who are truly saved know that God is living within us. God’s Spirit bears witness with our spirit. God leads us and speaks to us (not in an audible voice); we know He is present in our lives.
Second, there is progress from God that is being accomplished in our lives. God leads in our lives, Romans 8:14, according to His word, Psalm 119:105,11. God’s leadership in our lives is always toward spiritual maturity, Romans 8:29,30. God continues to change us throughout our Christian lives, 2 Corinthians 3:18. Philippians 2:13 teaches that God is changing our desires “to will” and our behavior “to do.” No, we are not sinless, but we are not what we used to be in our lost condition either. God’s purpose is to conform us to His will and to transform us into the image of Jesus Christ, Romans 6:16-18; 8:29,30.
Third, this all occurs in our lives by the power of God. Salvation can only be accomplished by the power of God, Romans 1:16; Titus 3:5. This comes through hearing the true gospel message, Romans 1:16; 10:17, through receiving the new birth (regeneration) by the Spirit and Word of God, John 3:3-7; 1 Peter 1:23. The Spirit of God changes us within by His power. Therefore, true eternal salvation is accomplished in us by God Himself rather than by our own will and determination.
The question then is this, which, if either, of these two things do we have? Do we have a religion that has reformed us, or do we have eternal salvation that has transformed us? While religion may make some good changes in our lives, it cannot save our eternal souls. What has God done in our lives? If we are truly saved, there is evidence of God working within us, and we are aware of His presence in our lives.
Tract C-404