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 The
apostle Paul writes of a most remarkable change having taken
place in the lives of certain Romans. Whereas they were once the
servants of sin, they had now become the servants of
righteousness (Rom. 6:17,18). The word he uses to describe this
radical alteration of character is "transformed" (Rom.
12:2). It comes from the Greek word (METAMORPH00) from which we
get our "metamorphosis", a term used in biology to
denote a change in form, structure, or function as a result of
development. Such is the process by which the ugly caterpillar
develops into the beautiful butterfly. Spiritually, as used by
Paul, it denotes the extraordinary change from sinner to saint.
Its inward nature is seen in its means of achievement: "by
the renewing of your mind". Here is the starting place for
true "newness of life" (Rom. 6:4). Perhaps we need to
be reminded that making Christians begins with changing the
mind, not externals! Conversion is more than getting the
sinner OUT of false religion, OUT of beer halls or OUT of bad
company. It is more than getting the sinner IN Bible classes, IN
worship services, or even IN the baptistry! If all of these
things are done without really changing the sinner's mind, he is
not IN Christ; he HAS NOT been converted! Now, externals are
important, to be sure, but as the EFFECT of conversion; as the fruit
of genuine repentance (Matt. 4:8). Repentance IS a change of
mind (see Vine's); an inward change with outward effects, as
with the Romans. They quit doing wrong in favor of doing right as
the result of changing their minds. BUT WHAT CAUSED THEM (OR
ANY SINNERS) TO CHANGE THEIR MINDS?
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What
the Romans did was the result of what they LEARNED! Like the
Ephesians (Eph. 4:17), they were darkened in their understanding
because of ignorance: However, with the teaching they received
(Rom. 6:17), their understanding was enlightened and when it
was, they "became obedient from the heart." They were
taught of God. When they heard and learned from the Father, they
came unto Christ, just as lie said they would (Jn. 6:44,45).
Thus, knowledge of truth made them free (Jn. 8:32). Paul Says
plainly that these Romans were "made free from sin" in
obedience to teaching. Such is the happy effect when good hearts
receive the good news.
But
the conversion of the Romans was not different from others
recorded in the N. T. Without exception, what the converts DID,
s the result of what they HEARD AND LEARNED. Take the
Pentecostians, for instance (.Acts 2). "Now when they HEARD
this..." (v. 37) they asked what they should do. Peter
instructs them and "They that then RECEIVED HIS WORD were
baptized" (v. 41) and, as Christ has promised (Mk. 16:16),
were saved. Like the Romans, they were made free from sin in
obedience to teaching. So were the Samaritans who, after hearing
and believing the gospel preached by Philip, were baptized into
Christ (Acts 8:12). Restudy the conversion of the Ethiopian,
Cornelius and the jailor (Acts 8,10). All have in common the
hearing and learning of words whereby they might be saved (Acts
11:14). Those who would seek salvation in some other way do so
in vain. Only the gospel can change the vile sinner into a
beautiful saint! Dan S. Shipley
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