Change, When Change Is Necessary To Be Saved

In life, we are in constant change from the moment we are conceived until the moment we die. Though many dislike change, it is required from each of us at different times in our life. Therefore, change is not only possible for everyone, but is necessary.

The Ability To Change

The fact that people can change is a wonderful thing, and a reason to be thankful. Contrary to the concept that says, “That’s just my nature — I can’t help it,” we do have a choice.

Any passage that points to the free moral agency of man says that man has the ability to change (Ezek 18 f; Romans 6). Since man can change, he doesn’t have to continue as he is. He has a choice. So, we must conclude that people are like they are because that’s the way they want to be.

Those who are ungodly, weak, or unfaithful are so, not because they can’t help it, but because they choose to be. Those who are godly, strong, and faithful are so because they changed from wrong to right.

Change is the idea of repentance. It involves a change of mind. Jesus spoke of a son who had said he wouldn’t do what his father said, but later he repented and went (Matt 21:28-29). The people repented at the preaching of Jonah (Matt 12:41). The book of Jonah describes that as turning from evil (Jon 3:10).

Change is such a wonderful blessing! Think about it, you can change your life.

Sinners Can Change

People who are in sin can change, even the worst of sinners. The apostle Paul is a classic example. He was a zealous enemy of the cause of Christ. He persecuted Christians (Acts 8:1-4; 9:1-3). He described himself as the “chief of sinners” (1 Tim 1:15). Later we see him as an apostle preaching and teaching the very things he once fought against. He changed (Acts 9:22, 26 f; 1 Tim 1; Phil 1).

Some of the very ones who had stood at Pilot’s Praetorium and cried, “Crucify him, Crucify him” repented and were baptized by the authority of the very one they put to death (Acts 2:21-41). Those who comprised the church at Corinth made giant changes. They were fornicators, prostitutes, adulterers, and homosexuals, but they changed (1 Cor 6:9-11).

Today, we look at the homosexual, the drunkard, the drug addict, and the thief with great disdain. We think it of little benefit to even invite them to church, much less say anything to them about obedience to the gospel. After all, we assume they wouldn’t be interested. Besides, we wonder if we really want to associate with those people anyway. We must never forget, God through his word can change these anyone (Rom 1:16).

We may shake our heads in frustration at those who are weak or unfaithful, thinking that their “service” isn’t worth much. Then, we remember cases of those who changed and serve God better than they ever have. Thank God for godly change!

The apostle Peter was already a disciple of the Lord when he denied he knew the Lord. Later, he acted the part of a hypocrite at Antioch (Gal 2:11-14). However, later he is found urging God’s people to be diligent and strong (1 Pet 1:15; 3:15 f; 2 Peter 1:5-10). He changed!

The Righteous Can Change

It is likewise true that those who are righteous can change. Just because someone is faithful and diligent in his service to God doesn’t mean that he will always be.

There is the ever present danger that one can drift away and depart from the truth. The Hebrew writer warned, “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away” (Heb 2:1).

Our hearts are saddened when we learn of one who was once faithful and dedicated to the Lord, but who doesn’t even attend worship anymore. What’s sad is that specific cases could be compounded.

It is equally disappointing when we see those we have had confidence in getting weaker and tolerating things they would have once abhorred.

Conclusion: The point to be learned is that we must take heed lest it happen to us. Paul said, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor 10:12). That means it could happen to any one of us at any given time! Therefore, my all us change, when change is necessary, in order to be saved. And once we have changed to the truth of God, let us stand firm in the gospel and doctrine of Christ until the end (2 Thess 2:15 f; 2 Jn 9).