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Previous Study | Index | Next Study  How You Can Become A New Person Download PDF of this page. Some time ago the newspapers reported the story of a young girl who had raised a panther as a pet. It was only a few days old when it was given to her. The girl was very kind to this pet, and the two of them spent many hours together in play. As the panther grew larger and older, the girl was warned of the danger of having this wild animal for a pet. She had almost grown up with the panther and was certain that the animal would never harm her. She claimed that all the wild traits of this particular cat had been eliminated by its constant association with humans. Then one day the girl cut her finger as she was playing with the animal. The panther licked the blood from the wound. In a matter of a few seconds this kind, gentle playmate become a ravenous beast. Knocking its mistress to the ground, it viciously chewed and clawed her. The girl made the painful discovery that her panther still had the nature of a wild animal. This illustrates the nature of man. Man is born with a sinful nature. It is much easier for him to do that which is wrong and sinful than that which is good and right. Education and training may develop some outward traits of good behavior, but the inherited evil nature will remain. The kind father and thoughtful husband can become a raging maniac when he has had a few drinks. Psychologists tell us that these outbreaks are due to hidden and repressed drives that are held in check by self-control, but show themselves when the self-control is temporarily anesthetized. Christ said that the religious leaders of His day were like “whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.” Matthew 23:27 In order to be right with God we need forgiveness for our past sins. More than this, we need to have a change in the evil nature which produces these sins. 1. What does the Bible say it is impossible for the sinner to do? Jeremiah 13:23 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 2. How does Isaiah describe human righteousness? Isaiah 64:6 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 3. Although Paul Wanted to do that which was right, what did he do instead? Romans 7:15-19 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 4. Why was Paul incapable of doing what God commanded? Romans 7:14 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Note: Carnal means unspiritual, not converted to Christ. 5. What does the Bible say is the reason that men do not willingly obey God? Romans 8:6, 7 The Bible Says: “The carnal mind________________________________for it is not______________________________________________.” (Verse 7) 6. How can a lost sinner become a child of God? Acts 3:19 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Note: This text tells us to repent and be converted. The word converted means to be changed. We are to have the carnal nature changed into a spiritual nature. Our part is to repent, or be sorry for our sins. God’s part is to accomplish the change in us which we call conversion. 7. How can our natures be changed from carnal to spiritual? John 3:3, 6 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 8. How does God accomplish this spiritual rebirth? John 1:12, 13 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 9. What does God promise to do if we yield ourselves to Him? Ezekiel 36:26 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 10. Under the new covenant what has God promised to write upon hearts and minds? Hebrews 8:9, 10 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 11. Through whom alone does deliverance from the evil nature come? Romans 7:24, 25 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 12. How deep must be our desire to receive this change? Matthew 5:6 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 13. When will we find salvation? Jeremiah 29:12, 13 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 14. How completely are we changed by this rebirth through Christ? II Corinthians 5:17 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 15. How does the Bible describe the change that takes place by the new birth? Colossians 3:1-10 The Bible Says: “Ye have____________________________with his deeds; and have________________________________________.” (Verses 9, 10) 16. When an individual has been truly converted, what new traits of character will be seen in his life? Galatians 5:22-25 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ (Verses 22, 23) How many times we have failed in following the Saviour as we should. Many of us have tried so very hard to do right, only to fail miserably. Our intentions were good, but we were trying to do good without God’s help. We were still carnal and sinful in nature. We were controlled by passions and habits acquired before we knew God’s plan of redemption. Without Jesus our hearts cannot be changed. We can never overcome the devil in our own strength. It is only as we put our lives in the hands of Christ that we can gain the victory over past sins. It is only through Him that we can live the victorious Christian life. So many have said, “When I overcome this habit, or gain the victory over that sin, then I will accept the Lord and become a Christian.” This is like the sick person saying, “When I get well I will go to the doctor and let him help me.” The time to come to Christ for help is when you recognize your need. Give Him your heart today and know the joy and peace that comes to you as you become a new creature in Him. You can do this by dropping to your knees just now and letting Him take control of your life. If you do not know how to come to Christ, just repeat these simple words as an expression of your heart’s sincere desire: “Dear Lord, I am weak, I have sinned. Please forgive and help me. Come into my heart and change me just now. Amen.”  Do you now accept Christ as your Saviour? Please pray for me.Previous Study | Index | Next Study |
