JC Blog

How we think is dependent on many things, how we were raised, the values and world views we were taught, not to mention the circumstances of our lives. All of these things shape our attitudes and perceptions whether good or bad. No matter where we come from the Word is able to expose all these things so the truth of scripture can be rewritten on our hearts.

Paul said in Romans 12:2 that transformation comes by the renewal of the mind. The transformation he is talking about is metamorphosis, illustrated by a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. It is a complete change. The same illustration holds true for us. When we let the truth of scripture rewrite the thoughts and attitudes we possess then our soul realm is transformed displaying the amazing things that are contained in our born again spirits. Everything God said we are through Christ is exactly what will show up in our lives through this renewal.

Peter said, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” ( II Peter 1:3-4 ). He gave us everything we will ever need in our spirits, remember they are identical in Jesus’ spirit and perfected. Unlocking these things comes through the knowledge of Him and renewing our minds to the truths found in scripture.

This is why God’s word is alive and full of power! It is able to discern and release truth into our lives. It exposes, judges and analyzes the purposes of the heart. Then it rewrites, renews and changes our perceptions of reality aligning it to God’s view. This is an amazing truth! This is why Paul told Timothy, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” ( II Timothy 2:15 ). We study not to show God that we are approved but to show ourselves that we are approved by God. Handling, releasing and teaching the word of truth with accuracy and skill.

Learning this verse from Hebrews 4 early on in life has made all the difference as I have grown and understand more clearly God’s word. I see the wonderful things it contains and trust that God will reveal these truths to me. They contain life and have transformation power. Not only will my life resemble Christ’s life in my born again spirit but it will also be displayed in my thoughts and actions as well. Knowing this amazing truth helps me dwell in a constant state of Sabbath rest.

Tomorrow we will look at Hebrews 4:13; Nothing is Hidden From God’s Sight.

Yesterday we concluded that the righteousness that the law and prophets testified about comes to climax and fulfillment through Jesus Christ. We concluded that the entire Old Testament law brings us to the realization that we have to have faith in Jesus in order to met those standards. But what happens when someone is not familiar with the Law, the Prophets or even the Bible?

In today's passage Paul is specifically speaking about Gentiles. We can classify the entire population of the world into three categories. First we have the Jews, those naturally born into the race of God's chosen people. Secondly we have the church. Everyone who has put their faith into Christ Jesus as their Savior. And Finally we have Gentiles or nonbelievers, which by default is everyone else. Paul is referring to the fact that even though they may not know the Law, the requirements of the Law are written on their hearts.

Every race, every population of people recognized the conscience. The conscience is that inner voice that identifies right from wrong. When we are in the wrong, our conscience bothers us. We may experience guilt or remorse. The conscience is yet another example of how the knowledge of God has been written on our hearts from the very beginning ( Romans 1:19-20 ).

So what Paul is saying is that the intuitive knowledge of God written on our hearts shows us what the Law requires. Because our conscience bears witness to it and either accuses us or excuses us. This inner voice recognizes the need for a Savior because it by default knows right from wrong and knows when we are in error. Remember the purpose of the Law was to direct us to Jesus. So even if we do not have the law our conscience works in the same capacity. Our conscience bears witness against us and identifies sin in our lives. If we have the knowledge of sin, then we also have the knowledge of the need for a Savior. Therefore, our conscience points us towards Jesus.

I am so thankful by default that God placed inside us the need for Him. The Bible says in II Peter 3:9 that God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." He has proven this by creating the knowledge of Him in our hearts so that as we become aware of Him, He can reveal Himself to us. Today, may you let yourself be found by God. May the grace of His Son Jesus cover you and bring you into right standing with Him!