“CHANGES”

22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22-23

Is salvation a mere profession of faith in Christ? Is it simply about identifying with a Christian group or congregation? Or is there something more personal that takes place in a believer?

Last week, we started a new miniseries that talks about things we can do when we doubt our salvation. In our previous post, we learned that salvation is not a mystery; it is knowable.

Here’s another truth about salvation you need to know.

Salvation involves noticeable changes in one’s character.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul uses the metaphor of fruit to describe a believer’s conduct. These nine characteristics are spiritual features that result from a believer’s faith in Jesus and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in him.

Christian love is sacrificial, as seen in Jesus’ death on the Cross. Joy is being content with God and what He’s given us. Peace is being at peace with God and having a peaceful relationship with others. Patience enables us to be forbearing in the midst of pain and affliction. Kindness is moral goodness. Goodness is the uprightness of heart and life. Faithfulness is trust in God and dependability in all things. Gentleness is taking the place of humility, saying and doing what is gracious. Self-control is being disciplined and keeping one’s desires in check.

In other words, we are saved if we have visible, noticeable changes in our behavior and conduct. From being full of anger, we become radically different and love selflessly. From being depressive and lonely, our hearts will be filled with joy regardless of our circumstances. From being worried by different things, our minds will still be peaceful, from being impatient to being calm and collected—and so on.

If you notice a significant change in your life since knowing Jesus, it means God is at work in you, changing you from one degree of glory to another.

Pursue the Savior today!