1 Thessalonians 1:9
“For they themselves report what kind of welcome you gave us, and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God”.
This is a great example of what happens when one becomes a christian, there is a turning away “from idols to serve the living and true God”. John the Baptist called it repentance. In other places it’s referred to as allowing Christ to be lord.
There is a gravitational pull toward God. It has a cleansing effect. Some are aware of this instantly, while it takes others a while. I can recall the feelings of guilt emerging over things that I never thought were wrong. Verses in scripture would come alive to highlighting behaviors that needed altering.
The Lord is involved in this process. Romans 8:14 says, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” The Holy Spirit leads us. The two examples cited earlier with the conscience pointing out behavior and the scripture becoming personal are what He does.
We also get a new heart. Ezekiel 36:26 says, “Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” As we read the bible and hear messages at church, we get new desires. We’ll want different things.
He will give us thoughts, nudges and impressions. That’s part of what it means to be led by the Spirit. We don’t conclusively know if any one of those are from God. We are to test them (I Thess 5:21). If we sense we are asked to do something weird, non-scriptural or illegal, it’s not God. He also won’t condemn us. His voice is inviting.
All of this is part of turning away from one’s old life, to one in Christ. We get new direction from His Word. He also gives us new desires.
Lord, thanks that You want to give us a new life. Help us to cooperate with You in this process.