New Principles Or New Life?

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: in: or, among - Colossians 1:27

    A principle is an underlying law or assumption required in a system of thought. New or different principles may be acquired by serious and deliberate determination of the mind and ability of the intellect. The result is a change in the manner of our thinking, and consequently is manifest in our behavior and actions. This is possible and attainable by the natural man if he so desires.

    This is not necessarily new life. It is rearranging the old. Therefore it is conceivable that one may convert to Calvinism (the doctrines) by mere exercise of the intellect, and yet remain spiritually dead. New life, spiritual life, is obtained only by the regenerating work of the omnipotent God imparting the righteous Lord Jesus Christ to the once dead sinner. The believer now lives by Christ in him, not new principles. I know this is a great mystery and inconceivable to the natural man, but it is so; To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col 1:27).

    Knowledge of the truth of things is not life. Christ is life—When Christ, who is (notice who is is supplied) our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory (Col 3:4). With life in Christ, there is indeed new principles. However, these new principles are the operation of the new heart, which is governed by desire and love for Christ, and the knowledge of Him. In truth then, Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me Gal 2:20).

    Having a new nature, the believer is now in constant warfare with the old man; For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing (Rom 7:18). Now he cannot even trust his knowledge, he must look to Christ alone for assurance. This is the operation of the grace of God in the new heart.

    May God help us to examine ourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (2 Cor 13:5).