One of the greatest aspects of salvation is the transformation that occurs in our heart and spirit. The kind of evolution that takes place within us transcends book knowledge, educational status and ethnic heritages. It tears down barriers instituted by worldly systems and classifications. Where once we were suffocated by the stench of hopelessness, doubt or anxiety, we are renewed. Now, the inner places of our minds are no longer contorted into fear-induced embryonic states of discontentment and isolation. We are transfigured—reconstructed into the image and likeness of a holy God. Such is the power of salvation.
When our dry, weary and burdened soul acknowledges its need for a Savior, the Spirit of God moves in and stages a takeover. What was once a wasteland barren of life and liberty, is now a newly birthed oasis teeming with clean, fresh flowing water and greenery. In other words, what was once dead because of sin has been made new. The Lord God desires to refresh and transform the parched, barren landscapes in our life. He desires to wash us in the power of His love thereby refreshing our inner man with His presence.
It is the presence of God that transforms and refreshes our soul and spirit. The same way an iced cold beverage refreshes the body on a hot, sticky day, is the same way the winds of salvation rejuvenate the soul. Basking in the presence of God has a cooling or calming down effect on our minds and emotions. In God’s presence, frustration melts away, angst dissipates and hope is restored. Once this occurs, the stony heart can be removed and replaced with a new heart and a new spirit. Armed with this inner transformation, God says that we will be able to honor his statutes, uphold His values and pay close attention to the directives He gives us. His desires will be our desires. His plans for us will become our plans. Yes, our heart will be transformed and we will honor our God with it, in all that we do.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8
Much like Hare Krishnas teach that man can return to God through salvation, so too can our hearts be refreshed by God through salvation. With salvation, acceptance of Christ as Savior, transformation of the heart is inevitable. With a new heart, comes a new spirit as well as God’s promise to empower us to walk according to his statutes. God promises that our tender heart will have a greater sensitivity to obey Him which will allow wisdom to guide us.
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