Top 7 Bible Verses About Change

Top 7 Bible Verses About Change October 9, 2015

 

In literary studies one of the most important elements in reading is that of characterization (figuring out the personality of a particular character or characters). Every work of literature has characters in it, so this is clearly an important process. Interestingly, there are generally two types of characters: dynamic (round) or static (flat) characters. To save you the trouble of having to learn more about both, just know that dynamic characters go through some type of change throughout the duration of the story, whereas static characters do not. Take for instance the protagonist of the Lion King, Simba. In the beginning of the film he is a prideful young lion who is impulsive and unwise. By the end of the film, he is a selfless leader who rules a kingdom with wisdom and grace. In other words, he went through a change—so he is a dynamic character! What does all this have to do with the Bible? Well, throughout Scripture you see numerous Bible characters who fit the description of dynamic; Adam and Eve, Paul, Disciples—all of them! Plus, Jesus repeatedly talked about and encouraged people to change (or become dynamic characters!). The same holds true for your own life! Don’t believe me? Look at these top 7 Bible verses about change and see for yourself!

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” Hebrews 13:8 NKJV

What?! You might be thinking of why this verse could possibly be in an article about change, when this one is clearly about staying the same. Well, in the case of God within Scriptures, he would fit the description of a static character—He stays the same from the beginning of Scriptures all the way to the end (and then even today!). Don’t be dismayed, though; this is great news!

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV

The Apostle Paul is talking about two different types of change here: a spiritual change and a bodily change. It’s no secret that as we grow old our bodies waste away. However, while that may be happening, our spiritual self is growing and constantly getting nourished.

“God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day. If he does not turn back, He will sharpen His sword; He bends His bow and makes it ready.” Psalm 7:11-13

The “turning back” mentioned in this passage is another way of saying: if he (man) does not repent, then God sharpens His sword, ultimately getting ready for judgement. The concept of repentance is just that, a turning away from something. In other words, it’s changing!

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 NKJV

Without a doubt, transformation is another way of saying change. God does not want us to be like the world. Instead, He wants us to change who we are by renewing our mind and setting our sights on Him.

“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.” Revelation 12:1 NKJV

It’s not just Christians who undergo a change—but eventually the very location we will end up in will be completely new. In others words, changed from what we have now to something more glorious!

“Has a nation changed its gods, which are not gods? But My people have changed their Glory for what does not profit” Jeremiah 2:11 NKJV

Unfortunately not all change is good. Since we have the ability to change that means it can work both ways: for good or for evil.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” Psalm 119:105 NKJV

The Word of God helps us (as does the Holy Spirit) during the change process. It is a guide for us (and much, much more) to say on the straight and narrow and continually become more like Jesus!

Conclusion

To end the article, I think the best thing to do is allow you to meditate on the following quote by Andrew Murray:

“There is need of a great revival of spiritual life, of truly fervent devotion to our Lord Jesus, of entire consecration to His service. It is only in a church in which this spirit of revival has at least begun, that there is any hope of radical change in the relation of the majority of our Christian people to mission work.” ~ Andrew Murray

Article by Michael Krauszer


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