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Monday, March 13, 2006

Can We Change What We Are?

Sin, in all its various forms, is [the soul's] natural element. To make man the direct opposite of what he originally is—to make him love God instead of hating Him—to make him fear God instead of mocking Him—to make him obey God instead of rebelling against Him—to make him to tremble at His dreadful majesty instead of defiantly charging against Him—to do this mighty work, and to effect this wonderful change requires the implantation of a new nature by the immediate hand of God Himself! Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then may you also do good who are accustomed to doing evil. - from the writings of J.C. Philpot (1802-1869)

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

In my opinion, the only free will we have is in rebellion against God. Except God do a work in us, our choice will always be against the things of God. No, man, in and of himself, cannot change. He may become a societally good person, but never a godly person as described by scripture.

Cheers,

Jim