Becoming a Christian involves a profound transformation in one’s identity, beliefs, values, purpose, and way of life. Scripture describes it as being “born again” (John 3:3), becoming a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17), and putting off the “old self” to put on the “new self” (Ephesians 4:22-24). Here are some of the key ways that becoming a Christian makes one an entirely new person:
A New Identity in Christ
When someone becomes a Christian, they take on a whole new identity rooted in their relationship with Jesus Christ. They go from being an enemy of God to a child of God (John 1:12), from stranger to citizen of God’s kingdom (Ephesians 2:19), and from slave to sin to slave to righteousness (Romans 6:17-18). Their core identity shifts from what they do or achieve in this world to who they are in Christ. Everything is now defined by their union with Him.
A New Nature and Heart
In addition to a new status before God, Christians receive a new heart and nature. God removes their “heart of stone” and gives them a “heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26) by putting His own Spirit within them (Ezekiel 36:27). The Holy Spirit begins a lifelong process of renewal and transformation from the inside out. He grows the fruits of the Spirit in a believer’s life, like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). The old sinful nature is replaced with a new godly nature that seeks to please the Lord.
New Desires, Values and Pursuits
The inner transformation of the Christian bears fruit in new desires, values and pursuits. Those who once lived to gratify the flesh now strive to please the Spirit (Romans 8:5-8). Earthly treasures no longer satisfy them; their treasure is now in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). God becomes their highest joy and delight rather than idols of this world (Psalm 73:25-26). They are driven by eternal priorities like knowing Christ, making Him known, and storing up heavenly rewards.
New Purpose and Mission
With new life in Christ comes an entirely new sense of purpose and mission. The Christian now lives for the glory of God rather than themselves (1 Corinthians 10:31). Their chief aim becomes proclaiming the gospel and making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). They see themselves as ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) and instruments to carry out His will on earth. Every role and relationship now contributes to this overarching purpose.
New Worldview and Belief System
Becoming a Christian fundamentally alters one’s worldview – their most basic convictions and assumptions about reality. They now see the world through the lens of Biblical truth rather than human wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:20-25). Core beliefs shift from relativism to absolute truth in God’s Word (John 17:17), from naturalism to supernaturalism (2 Kings 6:17), and from chance to divine providence (Proverbs 16:33). Their mindset transforms from futile and dark to hopeful and renewed (Ephesians 4:17-18).
New Power Source for Living
Instead of striving in their own strength, Christians have access to resurrection power through the indwelling Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:19-20). He enables them to overcome sin (Romans 8:13), experience joy in trials (Romans 15:13), live holy lives (Galatians 5:16), and use spiritual gifts for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). Walking in the Spirit allows believers to exhibit “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22).
New Relationships and Community
At conversion, a Christian is adopted into God’s family and joined to the body of Christ – the church (Romans 12:5, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13). They gain countless brothers and sisters in Christ from every nation (Revelation 5:9). The church provides spiritual fellowship, encouragement, accountability and a new community oriented around loving God and people. Isolation gives way to profound belonging. Even earthly relationships are affected as Christians relate to others with gospel grace.
New Way of Approaching Suffering
Suffering takes on new meaning and purpose for Christians. Rather than seeing trials as meaningless or cruel, they recognize God’s sovereignty over all things (Romans 8:28) and ability to use pain for good (James 1:2-4). Suffering develops Christlike character and makes the promise of eternal life more desirable (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Because their citizenship is in heaven, earthly troubles are seen as momentary and light compared to coming glory (Philippians 3:20, Romans 8:18).
New Master and Life Mission
At the core, becoming a Christian means enthroning a new King. Jesus becomes the true Lord and Master of one’s life, such that believers can say with Paul, “For me, to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21). The Christian life is no longer aimless but centered on the passionate pursuit of knowing and obeying Christ above all else. Everything is done for His glory and counted as loss compared to surpassing worth of following Him (Philippians 3:8).
In summary, becoming a Christian brings radical transformation of one’s identity, beliefs, values, purpose, relationships, worldview and source of power for life. All things become new. It is a total rebirth of the inner person. This comprehensive change leads to an entirely new way of living all for the glory of God and growth of His eternal kingdom.
