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Are You Born Again? -Nine Signs of Conversion The power of Christ alone can work the transformation in heart and mind that all must experience who would be with Him in the kingdom of heaven. "Except a man be born again," the Savior has said, "he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3. The religion that comes from God through Jesus, is the only religion that can lead to God. In order to serve Him right, we must be born of the Divine Spirit of Jesus. This will lead to watchfulness. It will purify the heart and renew the mind, and give us a new capacity for knowing and loving God. It will give you a willing obedience to His requirements. This is true worship. A sense of freedom -- peace in the soul. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:" Romans 5:1. When a person is at peace with God and his fellowman he cannot be made miserable. He will not display any of the works of the flesh: "Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying, drunkenness." Galatians 5:19-21. But will display the fruits of the spirit: Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: Galatians 5:22-23. An experience of love for others. "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loves not his brother abides in death." 1 John 3:14. When the heart is renewed by divine grace, love is the ruling principle of action. It will modify the character, govern the impulses, control the passions and ennoble the affections. This love cherished in your soul will sweeten your life and shed a refining influence on all around. The unconsecrated heart cannot originate it or produce it. It is found only in the heart where Jesus reigns. 'We love Him, because He first loved us.' A turning of mind and heart from the world. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15. A converted person will have a change of feelings, motives and actions. It is a taking leave of worldly connections. A separation from their controlling power, influences, opinions and unholy atmosphere. Victory where before was defeat. "Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy," Jude 1:24. In His name and in His merits, bad habits and practices may be overcome. It is impossible for man to overcome without God's strength, yet man is expected to exercise all the powers that God has given him so that he can be an overcomer. Divine power, with human heart pants after the water brooks, so pants my soul after thee, O God. An interest in and turning to God's Word. "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart..." Jeremiah 15:16. The born again person, will enjoy reading the Word of God. It may have been dull and uninteresting before his conversion, but now is his best friend. It is his standard for living. He grasps its promises, they strengthen his soul. It is his life line. A growing sensitivity to sin. The closer we come to Jesus, the more we will see the purity of His character. The closer we come to Him, the more we will see the terrible sinfulness of sin. The born again person will have new thoughts, feelings and motives. The mind will be changed and the conscience awakened. An attitude of willing obedience to God. "I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart." Psalms 40:8. When we truly love God, our love to Him will be manifested by our obedience. It will be plain and distinct between those who love God and keep His commandments, and those who do not love Him and disregard His laws and precepts. An impulse to witness to others. "But you shall receive power, after the Holy Ghost is come into you: and you shall be witnesses to Me..." Acts 1:8. When you are Born Again, witnessing to others will be your delight. As soon as you are converted, there is born within you a desire to share and make known to others what a precious Friend you have found in Jesus. The saving truth cannot be kept silent, you will have to tell others what Jesus has done for you.
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