Home  > Short Studies  > Transformed by a renewed mind (Rom 12:2)

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. — Romans 12:2

A consequence of sin is that we do not naturally seek God. Our minds instead look to human wisdom in order to define truth and provide the answers, purpose, fulfillment and security we seek in this life. However, it is God alone who is the author of truth, and our estrangement from Him by way of imputed sin and our own failings obstructs us from knowing Him; consequently in our fallen state we are unable to know real truth.

In His mercy and love for humanity, God compels some to seek and be reconciled to Him. By His actions alone—through the work of the Holy Spirit—the obstacle of unbelief is cleared and the seeker’s mind is renewed so that they can behold and comprehend Him for what He truly is. It is God Himself therefore who directs a person’s understanding and reveals the truth that leads to their transformation and redemption in Christ.

How is a person transformed? By reading and meditating on God’s word, under the indwelling guidance of the Holy Spirit, and coming to a point of acceptance and trust in its truth. A basic consequence of this acceptance and trust that develops over time is a changed life, one that glorifies God by reflecting “that which is good and acceptable and perfect,” and stands in contrast to a sinful world. This is the life and the purpose of the Christian.

Once saving faith is established in the heart of a believer their transformation proceeds very naturally. In gratitude for the salvation they have received, they are compelled to live their life in service to God. Empowered by the Holy Spirit and this renewing of the mind, they find that they have the ability and the responsibility to radiate God’s holiness to the world. This is exactly what Jesus was talking about when He said that believers are salt and light, preserving that which is good and illuminating God’s truth. It is through the Christian that the gospel message is shared with the world and that God’s chosen are called to seek Him, a process that will repeat itself with each generation until the end of the church age.

God’s kingdom on earth was established when Jesus Christ first came to the world in humility, and it will be fully manifested when He comes back to reign in glory. In the meantime Christians represent the light of the world, to act as beacons of holy truth and faithful stewards of His kingdom. It is a role they have the ability to fulfill because of God’s renewing of their mind.

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Most scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB)

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