Growing in Christ

“But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”  
— Ephesians 4:20-24 (NKJV)

“But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”  
— Ephesians 4:20-24 (NLT)

As I continue to grow in my Christian walk, I realize that studying the Bible is not merely about acquiring knowledge but about knowing Jesus more intimately. I am called to live out the truths I already know, rather than being preoccupied with what I do not yet understand. Obedience to the truths I have grasped would result in a transformed life.

I am instructed to "put off" my former way of life. Repentance is more than regret or guilt over past actions; it signifies a complete turning away. It involves a change in thinking that leads to a change in living.

My old way of living was corrupt, driven by lust and deceit. I was misled into believing that fulfilling my desires would bring happiness, but that was a lie. 

True transformation happens not only by turning away from my past but by turning towards Jesus, renewing my mind through His Word. By rejecting the patterns of my former thoughts and attitudes, I allow God's Spirit to renew me, shaping me into the new person He created me to be.

Christianity is distinct from other religions in that it is not centered on adhering to a code of conduct. Instead, it is founded on the belief that God transforms us into new creations. To be "born again" does not imply becoming a child again, but rather being made entirely new—a person liberated to fulfill the purpose God designed for them.