Yes, I have known quite a few people whose lives have been changed as a consequence of recognizing that the way of sin leads to death. Sin, of course, is any violation of faith that a person might commit.
For instance, as soon as we disobey a directive that one of our parents gives us, we violate the faith that they may have had in ourselves, when honoring them and doing as they have directed.
For those who might say that they had no parents to disobey, therefore, they could not have committed sin, disobedience to one’s parents is not the only way to violate faith. We violate faith in another human when we expect to deceive someone with misinformation by telling falsehoods, regardless of how innocuous a lie may seem. What people call “white lies” are not designed to show people the truth. White lies are like lighting, the only thing they do is lead people into darkness.
As it happens, I have met many people whose lives have changed for the better, because they turned away from their sin and exercised faith towards God through Lord Jesus Christ. The one person I can testify about more than any other is the change that has occurred in my life. For I myself have left the sewer of sin to settle for a path that leads to sainthood, even if I have not yet attained the status of a perfected saint yet.
- Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God. (Hebrews 6:1)
- Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, based on law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith; that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that if possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. (Philippians 3:8-12 )
The transformation process will be completed with the redemption of my body. This will occur when the temporary terrestrial vessel in which I currently exist—that is biological in nature—becomes an immortal celestial body, through which I will be able to shine; hopefully, to a greater degree than I would have thought possible.
- We know that the whole creation has been groaning in travail together until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:22-23)
- But some one will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” You foolish man! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. And what you sow is not the body which is to be, but a bare kernel, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body. For not all flesh is alike, but there is one kind for men, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish. There are celestial bodies and there are terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory. So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a physical body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual body. (1 Corinthians 15:35-44)
When speaking of a transformed life, there are many biographies and autobiographies written that testify of individuals whose lives have been changed to such a degree that they have made a difference in the lives of other people.
- At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time; but at that time your people shall be delivered, every one whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. (Daniel 12:1-3)
One of the first biographies I have read was God Owns My Business by Stanley Tam and Ken Anderson. Another book I enjoyed reading was The Autobiography Of George Muller which I found encouraging and inspirational. The biography of William Wilberforce is another inspirational read that testifies of a life changed by the God, if not totally transformed.
There are so many books that testify of how people have had an encounter with Lord Jesus Christ. Although they were turned from sinners into saints, and their sainthood may not have been made complete, this does not detract from the transformation that has occurred in hearts that were intent on evil, rather than upholding righteousness and truthfulness.
Even today, every person who calls upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is born from above, begins to have a transformative work begin within his or her innermost being. The process of transformation is not a work completed, but the beginning of a work that is yet to be completed. In which case, there are many works of transformation taking place today, even if we are not aware of them.
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