According to the Bible, how can a person renew his mind?
Romans 12:2:
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
THE BATTLE AXE: Adversary or Servant? (11/21/2013)—Because, in the beginnings of angelic sin, Satan did not openly oppose Christ as ruler of the angels, for his work in the Creation, or for his serving as the heavenly Advocate, Redeemer, Savior and Judge of mankind, many could not grasp that Satan opposes all sacred purpose, and the sovereign majesty of Almighty GOD. While he is called an accuser of the brethren, a usurper, and one who seeks to wrest away command of the universe to himself, he convincingly presents himself among the angels and before men as an injured party, one whose freedom is threatened, and one whose reputation has been unfairly besmirched and tarnished. Just like when he appeared to Eve in the Garden of Eden, Satan uses disguises, enticements, extortion, inappropriate comparisons, insinuation, questions, slander, and subtlety. A master of deception, Satan exploits infirmity and weaknesses in others, and pursues the divisive policies that men label as ambition, lust, and self-centeredness. Thereby, this heavenly prince has lost all voluntary capacity for love (i.e., ability to add value, continue in fruitful relationship, or provide benefit) to other created beings and living creatures. Although he has been stripped of the princely authority and titles he once lawfully exercised in heaven, upon the earth, Satan dares persist as though having that same legitimate power. Thus, he has been called the “Prince of Darkness,” “the prince of the power of the air,” “the prince of this world,” and “the god of this world” (see Ephesians 6: 10-18, John 12: 31, John 14: 30, Ephesians 2: 2 and 2nd Corinthians 4: 4, KJV). Satan appears completely unaware that he has no true independence from the Host; that his knowledge is imperfect and incomplete; that many now correctly see him as one who “forgets GOD” and is proud, self-justifying and self-promoting; or that he is still bound to carry out and execute duty (necessary tasks that must be completed—like it, don’t like it—at all cost, despite every unpleasantness, and whatever the sacrifice.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 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. (2nd Corinthians 3: 12-18, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Heart, Brain or Spirit? (10/09/2013); The Image of GOD? (10/10/2013); Words Spoken by GOD? (06/05/2013); Teachings on Judgment (06/06/2013); An Earth to Fix A Heaven? (05/18/2013); A Daily Revelation? (10/02/2012); Blessings, Curses and Woes (10/03/2012); About Conversion (09/03/2012); By Grace (09/04/2012)
“Gabrielle”, where renewing the mind means establishing new focus for ones awareness, intellect, and self-will, here are a few points important to many Christian believers. Simply put, we are to focus upon Christ:
(1.) While Jesus is away from the earth, and occupied with the tasks of atonement, judgment, and purifying the Sanctuary as a divine High Priest in heaven, his followers are to continue his ministering presence as the Church. Multiple endowments and sacred tools have been bestowed upon mankind through his incarnate ministry of GOD. Included are divine law, gifts of the Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit, sacred disciplines and practices (we say, sacraments), praise, prayer, promises, prophecy, wisdom, and a new nature that more readily detects, condemns and resists sin.
(2.) Following baptism and the divine operations whereby a person is “born again” as if germinated from divine DNA and holy substance, a believer is to “grow up again” by continuously sharing fellowship with others who have come to GOD through Christ. Shared activity for building and learning will include making music and songs of praise; meeting challenges, emergencies and problems together; social events for exchange, recreation and rest; public speaking, teaching and writing; study of Scriptures; unselfish service to the congregation, to ones, family and friends, and others; and with group worship. The community of believers must behave as agents and spokespersons for Christ toward other created beings and living creatures as well as toward GOD.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. (For example, (3.) Christian believers experience continuous change that is to nourish and preserve them in this present world as well as to prepare them for the coming of Christ to harvest the earth. Some of these changes are instantaneous (we say, miraculous), others are gradual and progressive. These changes are to be irreversible and permanent, however, can only be sealed by ones receipt of the imparted indwelling Spirit from GOD, the completion of ones mortality, and the transformations that occur with the appearance of Christ—corruption to incorruption, mortal to immortal.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith. Jesus is coming soon. Grow in grace.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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