We Renew Our Mind with the Word
When you study the Bible, you must be sure you are rightly dividing the Word. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).
You need to understand who the scripture is talking to and the context in which it is said. Obviously, if you can rightly divide the Word of God, it must mean you can also wrongly divide it. Therefore, let’s look closely at what the Bible says concerning how we are cleansed from sin.
First, we must understand that we are a three-part being. We are spirit, soul and body (1 Thess. 5:23). We are a spirit that has a soul that lives in a body. Putting it very simply, but generally speaking, that is how we function.
In 1 John 3:9 the scripture says, “Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.” That is talking about your spirit.
The scripture does not say your soul – which is your mind, your will, your intellect and your reasoning – does not sin. It says your spirit does not sin. Your spirit has been cleansed and is renewed daily by God, but your soul is your responsibility. That is why the scriptures tell us that we must daily renew our minds and wash them in the water of the Word. As Christians we are responsible for the renewal of our minds. It is not automatic just because we are saved.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:2).
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” (2 Cor. 4:16).
While our spirit is headed in the right direction, we still have a battle going on in our minds over the bad thoughts that still want to live there. We must daily renew the mind through the washing of the Word. If we don’t renew our minds, we will continue to think like the world, which is inspired by what the devil thinks.
God Renews Our Spirit with the Blood
The Lord gave Moses a law concerning the animals they ate which explains the importance of the blood. “For it [the blood] is the life of all flesh. Its blood sustains its life. Therefore I said to the children of Israel, ‘You shall not eat the blood of any flesh, for the life of all flesh is in its blood…'” (Lev. 17:14).
The scripture makes it clear how important the blood is. Life is sustained by blood. Life is atoned by blood. In John 6:54 Jesus makes an interesting statement. “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at that last day.” Jesus is saying that life is contained in His blood. Our spirits are sustained and kept alive by the blood of Jesus.
Excerpt permission granted by Larry Ollison Ministries
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.