Adventistische Schriften über: "Is it really true that everyone who has accepted reconciliation through Christ is a new creature and a changed person?"

Yes, the acceptance of the sacrifice and reconciliation through Christ inevitably leads to a profound and visible transformation of the person. Whoever receives forgiveness and is in Christ is made a new creation by the work of the Holy Spirit, puts aside former sinful habits and receives a new heart. A mere lip service without such a character transformation, however, shows that one does not yet truly belong to Him.

Reconciliation through Christ makes sinners new creatures

»When the cross of Golgotha, with its infinite sacrifice for the sins of humanity, was revealed, they saw that nothing but the merits of Christ could atone for their transgressions; this alone could reconcile man with God. With faith and humility they received the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Through the blood of Jesus they received the ‘forgiveness of the sins previously committed.’ These souls bore fruit worthy of repentance. They believed and were baptized and rose up to walk in new life—as new creatures in Christ Jesus. They no longer followed their former lusts, but, by faith in the Son of God, followed His steps, reflected His character, and purified themselves, as He is pure. The things they once hated they now loved; and the things they once loved they now hated.«

1 - Ellen Gould White, The Great Controversy (1888 ed.) (GC88 461.2)

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Forgiveness brings about a radical change of nature

»And this shows that the forgiveness of sins is more than a mere formality, more than a simple entry in the heavenly books that the sin has been erased. The forgiveness of sins is a reality; it is something tangible, something that deeply affects the individual. It truly frees him from guilt, and when he is freed from guilt, justified and made righteous, he has certainly undergone a radical change. He is indeed a different person, for he obtained this righteousness for the forgiveness of sins in Christ. It was received only by drawing Christ to himself. Yet ‘if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature.’ Thus the complete and free forgiveness of sins brings that wonderful and supernatural change known as the new birth; for a person cannot become a new creature except through a new birth. This is synonymous with a new or pure heart.«

2 - Ellet Joseph Waggoner, Christ and His Righteousness (CHR 65.3)

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The miracle of transformation into the image of God

»Therefore: If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come. Through the power of Christ men and women have broken the chains of sinful habits. They have renounced selfishness. The unrighteous have become reverent, the drunkards sober, the unrestrained pure. Souls that bore the image of Satan have been transformed into the image of God. This change itself is the miracle of all miracles. It is a change effected by the Word, one of the deepest mysteries of the Word. We cannot comprehend it; we can only believe, as Scripture explains: It is ‘Christ in you, the hope of glory.’«

3 - Ellen Gould White, The Acts of the Apostles (AA 476.1)

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True discipleship is revealed in a better character

»There may be obvious deficiencies in a person's character, but if he becomes a true disciple of Jesus, the power of divine grace makes him a new creature. Christ's love transforms and sanctifies him. However, if people pretend to be Christians, and their religion does not make them better men and better women in all life relationships—living representatives of Christ in mindset and character—then they do not belong to Him.«

4 - Ellen Gould White, The Sanctified Life (SL 55.1)

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