The Gospel Does NOT Change Someone

2nd Corinthians 3:18, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

There is a popular heresy taught in many churches today, which says that THE GOSPEL will change your life. Dear reader, THE GOSPEL doesn't change anyone, the indwelling Holy Spirit working in coordination with the inspired Word of God changes a new convert over time, as we are renewed in the spirit of our mind. This is what our text passage of Scripture teaches.

The indwelling Holy Spirit teaches us the truth and guides us. John 16:13, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” It's very important that we don't ever try to foolishly convince someone that THE GOSPEL is supposed to miraculously change them, because it does not and cannot change anyone.

That is why The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 includes “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you,” because if we don't mentor new converts they won't grow in the Lord's grace as they should. If the Gospel could change people, then we wouldn't need to TEACH THEM.

Pacific Garden Mission's 'UNSHACKLED' radio program in Chicago is guilty of this woeful heresy, demanding that Skid Row men instantly change their behavior as a prerequisite to come to Christ to be saved. Their go to Scripture is 2nd Corinthians 5:17, which they horribly take out of context. The only thing that a person receives at the moment of the new birth is God's gift of His blessed Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9; 1st John 3:24). To grow as saints, we must nurture on the milk (and eventually meat) of God's inspired Word. 1st Peter 2:2-3, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” Ephesians 4:23-24, “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

Here is a helpful sermon by Pastor Jack Hyles (1926-2001) titled, "Your Salvation Did Not Change You A Bit." I encourage you to listen to this sermon, it is one of my favorites. In his sermon, Brother Hyles explains the importance of local churches mentoring new converts to renovate their lives for Christ. Like a real estate transaction, getting saved is a transfer of ownership (from Satan to God), but buying a house, commercial building or some land does not change it. The new owner must invest the time and resources to renovate the newly acquired property to make it fit for use. The same is true when somebody comes to Jesus and gets born again. A very helpful book written by Dr. Jack Hyles on the subject is titled, "Salvation Is More Than Being Saved," which I highly recommend reading.

THE GOSPEL is “the power of God” that saves us (i.e., them that believe it) according to Romans 1:16. NOTHING in the Gospel itself can change our behavior. Psalms 119:9-11, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”