A New Affection
The world is filled with temptations that vie for our affections. The world seems to sense the danger, so it offers wisdom, “Moderation in all things.” Most people struggle with particular affections that prove too powerful for moderation, however. When greed begins to dominate, with lust for something, we call it, “idolatry.”
The hoarder fills his house. The glutton fills her body. The collector disguises his greed for just one more car, doll, or coin. The salesman makes one more call, and statistics are in place to measure it all. Peoples’ addictions are diverse, but the quest is always for one more, one better.
Salvation is not correcting these demons of the flesh; but rather, it is a replacement (Ezek 36:26). Deliverance from the things of the world that so easily occupy and encompass us is a transfer of affection (Col 1:13). The kingdom of darkness keeps people enslaved to carnal lusts and pride.
To be moved, from bondage to the kingdom of light (1 Pet 2:9), is a supernatural work of God. It is a transformation produced by regeneration, a new life created by God in Christ (Jn 3:1–8; Eph 2:5; Col 2:13; 1 Pet 1:3). Given the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16), when the Spirit of Christ causes one of God’s elect to be born again, the mind of a person is renewed (Rom 12:2).
A new mind, the mind of God, is the gateway to a new affection. The mind of Christ is formed from exposure to the Bible. It is the Word of God, inspired by the Spirit of God (2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:20–21), so that we might have God’s perspective. The knowledge of God and the wisdom of God increase as we see Jesus.
To know Christ (Phil 3:10), by His Spirit and the written Word of God (Jn 17:17), means we are receiving the grace that changes the adopted child of God (Rom 8:15, 23). The design of God for His children is conformity to His only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 8:29).
The carnal man has no interest in the spiritual things of Christ (1 Cor 2:15). He does not want them, nor does he seek them. In contrast, the regenerated soul thinks about God more and more. He loves the things of God because He has been made new, into the likeness of God’s Son (2 Cor 5:17).
The Spirit of God, indwelling this new man (Jn 14:17; Rom 8:9, 11; Gal 4:6; 2 Tim 1:14), obviously desires the things of God. Thus, the new affection is a product of the new work being done by the new, permanent resident in the regenerated heart. Evidence of the Holy Spirit’s affection for holy things is observed by the changes in the rebel soul, turned obedient (Ezek 36:27).
The speed with which the Spirit transforms the new Christian will vary. The manifested changes can be swift and potent, or they may be gradual. The point is that only the Spirit of Christ can change a person. The tool in the employ of the divine catalyst is the Word of God, sown and nurtured by the Spirit, according to the will of God (1 Thess 4:3).
In conclusion, if you are weary and heavy laden with the burdens of sinful affections in this world, then realize there is only one agent of change, in order to create new affections. The power of new affections is the power of God unto salvation.
The slave to sin needs a powerful replacement from the old self to a new self. This powerful change is brought about by the Spirit preaching the Word (Lk 4:18; 1 Cor 2:4). The radical first transformation, continues with a steady diet for the Word preached, for the edifying growth of the sinner, who has become a saint by grace.
Until Christ is fully formed in the soul, this transforming work continues day after day. With increasing conformity, yet remaining struggles with sin, the Christian is becoming Christ-like. This process will end with the glorification of the saint, which will include body and soul, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
On that day, our affections will be 100% pure and holy. The mortal will have put on immortality. We shall be like Him, for we will see Him face to face, and just as He is…glorious!
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
March 29, 2022
