Kingdom 101: New Birth, But Not Converted
That is simply a statement of truth. Many people are damaged from the life they once lived. I am speaking of believers who have embraced Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Just like the prodigal son, whose mentality and mindset was damaged by the way he lived his life while away from his home.
Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.
“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” It was then that he realized, 'what am I doing here?' All people, no matter who they are, where they live or what they have done while here on earth, are potential children of the Lord God and Kingdom citizens. Remember, lost children are still children. That is why the Gospel of the Kingdom is such good news. The father in Christ's parable called for a ring to be put on his son's hand. The ring was the symbol of sonship and authority in the family. But the father said to his servants, "Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet."
The Lord Jesus Christ came to earth, died on the cross and rose from the dead to put a ring of sonship on everyone's finger if we accept this new birth. This brings us back into fellowship with our Father so that we might assume our rightful place as His children and as citizens in His Kingdom. Please note: For many of us, taking that step will require first a transformation from a slave mentality mindset. The ambassador Paul made this statement: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Even the ambassador Paul was addressing believers--people who had their faith and trust in King Jesus as Savior and Lord--who still needed to undergo a change in their mindset. Although they were Kingdom citizens, they were still caught up in a slave mentality. They were thinking like slaves. We need to consider this truth very carefully. It is very possible for an individual to be reborn of the spirit, but yet not converted. This is a kingdom concept. In order for one to live a life of royalty, one must be trained how to conduct themselves and behave like royalty!
Salvation takes place instantly. It is a spiritual transaction in which our disobedience is cleansed by the blood of Jesus as we trust Him in faith. Conversion (to change in form, character, or function) on the other hand, can take a lifetime as we learn how to think, live and act as children of the Lord God. It is a deliberate, ongoing process. Our soul--mind, will and emotions-- must be converted. We desperately need to get our bodies under the control of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 15:15-19, 22 Romans 12:1-2
~~W.R. Luchie
Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.
“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” It was then that he realized, 'what am I doing here?' All people, no matter who they are, where they live or what they have done while here on earth, are potential children of the Lord God and Kingdom citizens. Remember, lost children are still children. That is why the Gospel of the Kingdom is such good news. The father in Christ's parable called for a ring to be put on his son's hand. The ring was the symbol of sonship and authority in the family. But the father said to his servants, "Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet."
The Lord Jesus Christ came to earth, died on the cross and rose from the dead to put a ring of sonship on everyone's finger if we accept this new birth. This brings us back into fellowship with our Father so that we might assume our rightful place as His children and as citizens in His Kingdom. Please note: For many of us, taking that step will require first a transformation from a slave mentality mindset. The ambassador Paul made this statement: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Even the ambassador Paul was addressing believers--people who had their faith and trust in King Jesus as Savior and Lord--who still needed to undergo a change in their mindset. Although they were Kingdom citizens, they were still caught up in a slave mentality. They were thinking like slaves. We need to consider this truth very carefully. It is very possible for an individual to be reborn of the spirit, but yet not converted. This is a kingdom concept. In order for one to live a life of royalty, one must be trained how to conduct themselves and behave like royalty!
Salvation takes place instantly. It is a spiritual transaction in which our disobedience is cleansed by the blood of Jesus as we trust Him in faith. Conversion (to change in form, character, or function) on the other hand, can take a lifetime as we learn how to think, live and act as children of the Lord God. It is a deliberate, ongoing process. Our soul--mind, will and emotions-- must be converted. We desperately need to get our bodies under the control of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 15:15-19, 22 Romans 12:1-2
~~W.R. Luchie
