by Kala Loptien
The Spirit at Work
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“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”
Titus 2:11-14 English Standard Version
In recent weeks, I started recognizing a persistent theme woven within what I’m reading and hearing: Lordship Salvation. To summarize this disputed doctrine in my own understanding, it means that with sincere belief/conversion comes pure repentance and change of heart–resulting in a life-altering, profound renewal and rebirth. According to Strong’s Greek, “repentance” (matanoia) in many verses is translated as: a change of mind, change in the inner man.
As Jesus so perfectly illustrates, it is a requirement that we be born again or born from above (John 3). As redeemed people, having been given new life and instructed to obey God’s commands (John 14:15), what is there really to debate? A change happens.
By no means is this to say that human beings live spotless lives. If you’re like me, maybe you’re overanalyzing all the twists and turns, wondering if you were “really a Christian then.” We need not wallow, wonder or overthink for long. The truth of the matter is His Spirit has been, and will continue to be, at work in you and me. It’s a process initiated by God, with the main point being that He sent His son to redeem our souls and transform our lives. We are trained and prompted by the Spirit to repent, follow, love, abide and obey. The direct result is a life lived for the Lord.
God, keep us ever mindful of our rebirth in water and spirit. Where earthly theories, opinions and semantics cloud and complicate, it is always your Word that validates and prevails. Amen.
Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
