+I. The change here spoken of is radically seated in the
mind.+--These terms do not import the creation of new powers and
faculties, but the introduction of new tempers and qualities. The
renovation enlightens the eyes of the understanding, and gives new
apprehensions of Divine things. It purifies the affections and
directs them to their proper objects. There are new purposes and
resolutions.
+II. He who is renewed puts off the old man.+--The new spirit is
opposite to sin and strives against it. The Christian mortifies the
affections and lusts of the flesh because he has found them
deceitful. He in deliberate and hearty purpose renounces all sin. He
abstains from the appearance of evil.
+III. He puts on the new man.+--As the former signifies a corrupt
temper and conversation, so the latter must intend a holy and
virtuous disposition and character. The new man is renewed in
righteousness and true holiness. He not only ceases to do evil, but
learns to do well.
+IV. The pattern according to which the new man is formed is the
image of God.+--The likeness must be understood with limitations. The
image of God in us bears no resemblance to the perfections in the
Divine nature, such as immensity, immutability, and independence.
There are some essential properties of the new man to which there is
nothing analogous in the Deity. Reverence, obedience, trust, and
resignation are excellencies in rational creatures; but cannot be
ascribed to the Creator. In those moral perfections in which the new
man is made like God there is only a faint resemblance, not an
equality. The new man resembles God in mercy and goodness, in
holiness, in truth.
+V. This great change is effected by the Gospel.+--It was the
consequence of their having learned Christ. The first production and
improvement of this change is the work of Divine grace, and the
Spirit of God works on the soul by means of the Word. To this change
the use of means and the grace of God are both necessary.
+VI. The change is great.+--Let none imagine he is a subject of this
change merely because he entertains some new sentiments, feels
transient emotions, or has renounced some of his former guilty
practices. The real nature and essence of conversion is the same in
all.--_Lathrop._
_Religious Affections are attended with a Change of Nature._
+I. What is conversion?+--1. A change of nature. 2. A permanent
change. 3. A universal change. 4. A union of God's spirit with the
faculties of the soul. 5. Christ by His grace savingly lives in the
soul.
+II. Its connection with sanctification.+--1. All the affections and
discoveries subsequent to the first conversion are transforming.
2. This transformation of nature is continuous until the end of life,
when it is brought to perfection in glory.
+III. Reflections.+--1. Allowance must be made for the natural
temper. 2. Affections which have no abiding effect are not spiritual
and gracious. 3. In some way it will be evident, even to others, that
the true disciple has been with Jesus.--_Lewis O. Thompson._