Conviction of Sin and Repentance

Conviction of Sin 

The basic process of biblical change is a transformation that occurs as a person moves from living according to their old nature (sinful patterns) to living in alignment with God’s will through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is often described in Scripture as sanctification, the process by which believers are progressively conformed to the image of Christ. Biblical change is not about external behavior modification alone but about a deep, internal transformation that reflects the gospel's power to change hearts and lives.

Here’s an overview of the process of biblical change, grounded in key biblical passages:

1. Understanding the Need for Change: Conviction of Sin

The process of biblical change begins with the recognition of sin and the need for transformation. Conviction of sin is the work of the Holy Spirit, who exposes areas of life that are not aligned with God's will. In this stage, individuals are made aware of their need for God’s grace and transformation.

• John 16:8 – “When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment.”
• The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, pointing out where we fall short of God’s standard, which leads to the recognition of our need for change.
• Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
• This verse emphasizes that everyone is in need of change because everyone has sinned. True biblical change starts with acknowledging that we are not living as we should before God.

2. Repentance: Turning from Sin to God

Repentance is a key component of biblical change. It involves a change of heart and mind—a turning away from sin and self-reliance to God and His ways. It is not merely feeling sorry for sin but involves a deliberate decision to turn from sinful behavior and attitudes toward a life of obedience to God.

• Acts 3:19 – “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
• Repentance leads to forgiveness and a refreshing work of God in our lives. The process of biblical change begins with a heart that desires to turn away from sin and back to God.
• 2 Corinthians 7:10 – “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
• Genuine repentance involves godly sorrow—a sorrow that leads to change and life. The focus is on turning to God rather than just feeling bad about the consequences of sin.

3. Renewing the Mind: Transformation of Thought and Perspective

Biblical change involves a transformation of the mind. The believer is called to renew their thinking by aligning it with God’s truth. This change in thinking is critical because what we believe directly influences how we live. True change cannot happen if our thoughts remain focused on worldly patterns and lies.

• Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
• The process of transformation happens through the renewal of the mind. As we fill our minds with God’s truth, our thoughts, desires, and behaviors begin to align with His will.
• Ephesians 4:23-24 – “To be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
• Renewal of the mind results in the putting off of the old self and the putting on of the new self, which is created in God’s image. This transformation takes place when we align our thinking with God’s Word.

4. Putting Off the Old Self and Putting On the New Self

As part of biblical change, believers are called to put off sinful behaviors, attitudes, and desires associated with their old nature and to put on the qualities of the new self, which reflect Christlikeness. This involves both a negative aspect (putting off) and a positive aspect (putting on).

• Colossians 3:5-10 – “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry... But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips... Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
• This passage emphasizes both the putting off of sinful patterns and the putting on of godly characteristics. The new self reflects the nature of Christ and is continually renewed as we grow in knowledge of Him.
• Ephesians 4:22-24 – “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
• Like in Colossians, we are encouraged to put off sinful behaviors and to put on godly behaviors that reflect our new identity in Christ.

5. Living by the Power of the Holy Spirit

Biblical change is not achieved by willpower or human effort alone but through the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit enables believers to live out the new life they are called to, empowering them to follow God’s will and live in obedience.

• Galatians 5:16-17 – “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.”
• Walking by the Spirit enables believers to resist the temptations of the flesh and to live in a way that pleases God. The Holy Spirit gives the strength and guidance needed for lasting change.
• Philippians 2:13 – “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
• Biblical change occurs as God works in us. The Holy Spirit not only gives the power to change but also works in us to desire and carry out God’s will.

6. Obedience and Fruitfulness: Evidence of Change

The evidence of biblical change is seen in the way a person’s life becomes increasingly characterized by obedience to God’s commands and the fruit of the Spirit—traits like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control. True change is not just about changing external behaviors, but about producing the fruit that reflects the transformation within.

• John 15:4-5 – “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
• Jesus teaches that abiding in Him is essential for bearing lasting fruit. Biblical change results in fruitfulness, which is the evidence of a transformed life.
• Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
• The fruit of the Spirit is the natural result of a life changed by God. It is evidence that a person is living according to God’s will and power.

Conclusion: Biblical Change as a Lifelong Process

Biblical change is not instantaneous but is a lifelong process that involves repentance, the renewal of the mind, the putting off of the old self, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and the cultivation of fruit. This process is deeply rooted in a relationship with Christ and depends on His grace and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. The ultimate goal of biblical change is to become more like Christ, living in obedience to God’s will, and bringing glory to Him.