SIN:
REFINED; SALVATION: TRANSFORMATION

We Christians must look sharp that our Christianity does not simply refine our sins without removing them.…

The gossip and troublemaker sometimes at conversion turns into a “spiritual counselor,” but often a closer look will reveal the same restless, inquisitive spirit at work that made her a nuisance before her conversion. The whole thing has been refined and given a religious appearance, but actually nothing radical has happened. She is still running the same stand, only on the other side of the street. There has been a certain refinement of the sin, but definitely not a removal of it. This is Satan’s most successful way of getting into the church to cause weakness, backsliding and division.

2 Corinthians 12:20–21; Ephesians 4:20–32; Colossians 3:5–11; 1 Peter 2:1–2

Born After Midnight, 80, 82.