It’s that ‘not receiving’ part that can often abort the process of Christ being formed in us.
“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the word was God... and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us...” (John 1:1,14)
“He came to His own and His own received Him not...but...as many as did receive Him, to them He gave the right or capacity to become...children of God.” (John 1:11-12)
How is that ‘receiving’ part working out for you these days? Are you able to receive all the Word, or just those parts that ‘fit’ with the doctrine you were taught? Or how is your hunger and appetite, overall for God’s word? Because if you are not taking in and feeding upon His word, there probably is not much ‘growing and conforming’ taking place within you , given that is how we are designed to grow. (1 Pet. 2:2-3) We are...what we eat, they say.
And I don’t know who needs to hear this, but singing lots of ‘worship music’ and reading a wide assortment of devotionals and ‘Christian Fiction’ is no substitute for God’s word; just saying.
But when the seed of God’s word takes root in good soil (a repentant and humble heart), new life begins...at conception. And you should know that there are forces of evil and darkness that would attempt to snuff out that life; but as long as you continue to abide in Jesus, fully surrendered and committed to His Lordship, you need not worry or fear of being snatched from His hand. But that promise is only extended to His ‘sheep’. (John 10:27-28) Many others, for one reason or another chose to walk away. (John 6:66; 2 Tim. 4:10)
So what does this ‘new life’ represent and actually ‘do’? It brings balance and perspective and influence, similar to what that third leg to a stool might bring, or perhaps as a rudder brings to a boat. It brings solid footing and direction. This spiritual component enables us to truly turn (repent) as we think and live and walk another way: His way. And it begins with ‘hearing His voice and following’. (John 10:27)
I would also submit to you that it is this third component of our creation, our ‘spirit being’, that is joined with God’s Spirit when we are filled with and receive His Sprit into our lives.
I wouldn’t spend too much time over-analyzing how that all ‘works’, but we do become His ‘temple’. (1 Cor. 6:19). And Paul reminds us: “IF...the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you... He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” (Rom. 8:11). How else can we become a ‘new creation’ outside of coming to and then abiding in Him? (2 Cor. 5:17; John 15:1-8)
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