Life’s journey often leaves us feeling unworthy, broken, or burdened by our past mistakes. But one of the most beautiful truths of the Christian faith is that Christ calls us to come to Him just as we are, no matter our past, our flaws, or our failures. Yes, God wants you to come to him sin and all. Matthew 9:13 Jesus says he came not to call the righteous but the sinners. Come with your mini skirts and see through tops. He wants you smoking and getting so drunk that you don’t remember what happened the night before. He wants you lying and cheating. He wants you to come to him.
We don’t have to be perfect or have everything figured out to approach Him. However, come as you are does not mean stay that way. In fact, Christ specializes in transforming lives, molding us into His likeness. Let’s explore how coming to Christ as we are leads to a beautiful transformation, making us new creations in Him.
Come As You Are: God’s Invitation to All
The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who came to God in their most imperfect states and were transformed by His love and grace. We are not asked to clean ourselves up or fix our problems before approaching God. Instead, He invites us into His presence with open arms, no matter where we are in life.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) reminds us of this profound truth:
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
This scripture emphasizes that once we come to Christ, we are made new. Our past no longer defines us, and our mistakes do not determine our future. Christ offers us a fresh start, transforming us from the inside out.
Saul’s Transformation into Paul: A Story of Radical Change
One of the most striking examples of transformation in the Bible is the story of Saul, who later became known as Paul. Saul was a man deeply entrenched in his ways, known for persecuting Christians and vehemently opposing the message of Christ. He was far from perfect, and by human standards, he seemed like the least likely candidate to become one of the greatest apostles of the Christian faith.
However, Saul’s encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus changed everything. In Acts 9, we read how Saul was blinded by a great light and heard the voice of Jesus calling him. This moment was not only a turning point for Saul but also a powerful demonstration of how Christ can transform anyone, regardless of their past.
Saul’s transformation into Paul symbolizes the power of God’s grace. Paul went on to become a devoted follower of Christ, spreading the Gospel far and wide, and writing many of the New Testament’s letters that continue to inspire and guide believers today. His story is a testament to the fact that no one is beyond God’s reach, and that coming to Christ can completely change the direction of our lives.
Isaiah’s Call: A Change for God’s Glory
Another powerful example of transformation is found in the life of the prophet Isaiah. In Isaiah 6, we read about Isaiah’s vision of God sitting on His throne, high and lifted up. Overwhelmed by the holiness of God, Isaiah immediately recognized his own sinfulness and felt unworthy in God’s presence, saying:
“Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5, KJV).
Despite his feelings of inadequacy, God did not turn Isaiah away. Instead, God cleansed him and called him to be His prophet, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah responded, “Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8, KJV).
Isaiah’s transformation shows us that God uses even the most imperfect vessels for His purposes. When we come to Christ as we are, He purifies us, equips us, and calls us to serve Him in ways we could never imagine.
Becoming More Christ-Like: The Ongoing Transformation
While coming to Christ is the first step, the journey doesn’t end there. Becoming more Christ-like is a lifelong process that involves daily surrender, growth, and refinement. As we spend time in prayer, study God’s Word, and allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, we begin to reflect the character of Christ more and more.
Just like Paul and Isaiah, we must be willing to lay down our old selves and embrace the new life that Christ offers. This transformation involves:
- Renewing Our Minds: Letting go of negative thinking patterns and aligning our thoughts with God’s truth. Showing us just how sin is opening doors for evil.
- Walking in Obedience: Learning to follow God’s guidance, even when it’s challenging or outside our comfort zone. Being convicted of old things in our lives to let go of them.
- Exercising Grace and Love: Emulating Christ’s love in our interactions with others, showing kindness, forgiveness, and compassion.
- Growing in Faith: Trusting God in every circumstance, knowing that He is shaping us into His image.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Transformation
The beauty of the Gospel is that Christ meets us where we are but doesn’t leave us there. He takes our brokenness, our pain, and our imperfections and turns them into something beautiful. No matter who you are or what you’ve done, you are invited to come to Christ as you are. In Him, you can find hope, healing, and the power to become a new creation.
Remember, your past does not disqualify you from God’s love. Just as He transformed Saul into Paul and called Isaiah into His service, He can transform you, too. Step into His grace, embrace the journey, and watch as He shapes you into the person He created you to be—more Christ-like with each passing day.
When he has helped you change and transform into someone that your friends and family won’t even recognize… then you can use your story, your testimony to help bring in another person who is struggling with the same things that he saved you from. You can’t help nobody if you are living the same life that God is trying to save you from 2-3 years later.
Love, Nilsa
