Romans 6:5-7

5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. -Romans 6:5-7

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Christianity is not behavior modification but heart transformation.  Many people think of Christianity as a set of rules that force you to do what’s “right.”  It’s a list of do’s and don’ts that you have to try to follow.  It’s a way to make sure that we all behave.

The problem with behavior modification is that it doesn’t change the heart.  You can make a law forcing people to not say racist things for example.  And because they can get in trouble for it, they stop.  But, it doesn’t stop them from being a racist.  Their racist thoughts and beliefs are still there.   That’s behavior modification.

Christianity doesn’t just want to stop people from saying racist things.  Christianity wants to help people to not even be racist.  That’s heart transformation.

When Jesus died on the Cross for our sins, he began the process of heart transformation within us.  It is a process but over time our hearts will begin to change.  We will obey God not because we have to, but because we want to.

From the poet William Cowper:

To see the Law by Christ fulfilled,

To hear His pardoning voice,

Changes a slave into a child

And duty into choice.