Human beings are the only physical creatures God created that are still unfinished. Animals, such as dogs and birds, are complete creations that can only adapt to a new environment in limited ways. Human beings, however, are searching for meaning. We can and do grow emotionally, mentally and socially but, overall, our basic human nature of lust, violence and greed remains the same.
The world is dotted with grand cathedrals and megachurches, but unless human nature is changed, religion is nothing more than a show. Only God can change the core of our being. The central message of Jesus Christ is that wayward human beings can be forgiven their sins and have their nature changed, but changing basic human nature requires an added spiritual dimension.
When we repent and sincerely want to change, God takes a “piece” of Himself, His Spirit, and places that in our minds to change how we think. This occurs through the process of baptism and the laying on of hands. Paul explained baptism represents putting to death the old man and being raised to a new life, to become like Christ through the help of God’s Spirit (Romans chapters 6 and 8). The New Testament is filled with instructions about how a Spirit-led Christian then becomes a “new man” (Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:9-10).
In much of Christianity baptism has become an unimportant and often-ignored doctrine. Yet Jesus clearly commanded His followers to be baptized as a symbol of God washing away their sins. Another New Testament symbol that has been all but forgotten is the laying on of hands. In the early Church a person was baptized and then the elders of the Church laid hands on him or her so that through them God would then place His Holy Spirit within the newly baptized persons (Acts 8:17). (See our free study guide What You Need To Know About Baptism)
This physical life is the preparation ground for eternity. The “come to Jesus just as you are” message, promoted by much of Christianity, may have appeal, but if a person truly accepts Christ then he knows he must make changes to become a “new man.”
The central message of Jesus Christ is that wayward human beings can have their sins forgiven and their nature changed. God’s desire is for everyone to eventually receive the gift of His Holy Spirit, upon believing the Gospel, repenting and being baptized for the forgiveness of their sins. Then one of the great purposes of the human spirit is fulfilled—to receive and integrate with the Holy Spirit and become spiritually “converted” (Acts 3:19). Romans 8:16 tells us: “His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.”
