Transformed Will in the Presence of God
The concept of a transformed will in the presence of God is rooted in biblical teachings on conversion and the role of divine grace. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, conversion is attributed to God's work, citing instances where it is described as being "by God" and "by the power of the Holy Spirit" [2]. This transformation involves a change in an individual's will, enabling them to align with God's will.
In the biblical context, doing God's will is closely tied to repentance from sin, faith in God, and following Jesus, as noted in Mark 3:35 [6]. The transformation of the will is thus a crucial aspect of the Christian life, facilitating a deeper relationship with God. The act of prayer, for instance, is described as a means of accessing God, made possible through Christ and the Holy Spirit [3, 5].
The Baptist/Reformed tradition, as represented by John Gill's commentaries, emphasizes the role of divine power in effecting this transformation. In his commentary on Ephesians 1:19, Gill highlights the "exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe," underscoring the idea that faith and the continuation of it are results of divine power [7]. This power is also seen in the context of conversion and the implantation of faith.
The transformation of the will is further linked to the broader themes of redemption and salvation. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, the atonement effected by Christ is a demonstration of God's love and grace, providing a basis for reconciliation [4]. This reconciliation enables individuals to have access to God, a privilege that follows upon reconciliation to God [3].
In the presence of God, the transformed will is characterized by a desire to follow Christ and adhere to God's will. As expressed in Romans 15:32, the apostle Paul's hope to come to the Romans "by God's will" indicates a surrender to God's plan [1]. This surrender is a hallmark of the transformed will, reflecting a deepened relationship with God facilitated by divine grace.
The theological understanding of a transformed will in the presence of God is thus deeply rooted in biblical teachings and is a central aspect of Christian doctrine, particularly within the Baptist/Reformed tradition. It emphasizes the role of divine power and grace in effecting a change in the human will, enabling individuals to align with God's will and deepen their relationship with Him.
Sources
- Romans “Romans 15:32 (BSB) — so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Conversion — By God -- 1Ki 18:37; Joh 6:44; Ac 21:19. By Christ -- Ac 3:26; Ro 15:18. By the power of the Holy Spirit -- Pr 1:23. Is of grace -- Ac 11:21,23. Follows repentance -- Ac 3:19; 26:20. Is the result of faith -- Ac 11:21. Through the instrumentality of The scriptures. -- Ps 19:7. Ministers. -- Ac 26:18; 1Th 1:9. Self-examination. -- Ps 119:59; La 3:40. Affliction. -- Ps 78:34. Of sinners, a cause of joy To God. -- Eze 18:23; Lu 15:32. To saints. -- Ac 15:3; Ga 1:23,24. Is necessary -- Mt 18:3. Commanded -- Job 36:10. Exhortations to -- Pr 1:23; Isa 31:6; 55”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Access to God — Is of God -- Ps 65:4. Is by Christ -- Joh 10:7, 9; 14:6; Ro 5:2; Eph 2:13; 3:12; Heb 7:9, 25; 10:19; 1Pe 3:18. Is by the Holy Spirit -- Eph 2:18. Obtained through faith -- Ac 14:27; Ro 5:2; Eph 3:12; Heb 11:6. Follows upon reconciliation to God -- Col 1:21,22. In Prayer -- See Prayer. De 4:7; Mt 6:6; 1Pe 1:17. In his temple -- Ps 15:1; 27:4; 43:3; 65:4. To obtain mercy and grace -- Heb 4:16. A privilege of saints -- De 4:7; Ps 15:1; 23:6; 24:3,4. Saints have, with confidence -- Eph 3:12; Heb 4:16; 10:19,20. Vouchsafed to repenting sinners -- See Repen”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Atonement, The — Explained -- Ro 5:8-11; 2Co 5:18,19; Ga 1:4; 1Jo 2:2; 4:10. Foreordained -- Ro 3:25; 1Pe 1:11,20; Re 13:8. Foretold -- Isa 53:4-6,8-12; Da 9:24-27; Zec 13:1,7; Joh 11:50,51. Effected by Christ alone -- Joh 1:29,36; Ac 4:10,12; 1Th 1:10; 1Ti 2:5,6; Heb 2:9; 1Pe 2:24. Was voluntary -- Ps 40:6-8; Heb 10:5-9; Joh 10:11,15,17,18. Exhibits the Grace and mercy of God. -- Ro 8:32; Eph 2:4,5,7; 1Ti 2:4; Heb 2:9. Love of God. -- Ro 5:8; 1Jo 4:9,10. Love of Christ. -- Joh 15:13; Ga 2:20; Eph 5:2,25; Re 1:5. Reconciles the justice and mercy of God -- Isa 45:21; ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prayer — Commanded -- Isa 55:6; Mt 7:7; Php 4:6. To be offered To God. -- Ps 5:2; Mt 4:10. To Christ. -- Lu 23:42; Ac 7:59. To the Holy Spirit. -- 2Th 3:5. Through Christ. -- Eph 2:18; Heb 10:19. God hears -- Ps 10:17; 65:2. God answers -- Ps 99:6; Isa 58:9. Is described as Bowing the knees. -- Eph 3:14. Looking up. -- Ps 5:3. Lifting up the soul. -- Ps 25:1. Lifting up the heart. -- La 3:41. Pouring out the heart. -- Ps 62:8. Pouring out the soul. -- 1Sa 1:15. Calling upon the name of the Lord. -- Ge 12:8; Ps 116:4; Ac 22:16. Crying to God. -- Ps 27:7; 34:6. Drawing”
- Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 3:35: 3:35 Doing God’s will includes repentance from sin, faith in God, and following Jesus (1:15, 18, 20).”
- Ephesians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ephesians 1:19: And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe,.... The objects of the divine power here intended, are believers in Christ; which distinguishes this power from that which was put forth in creation, and from that which will be displayed in the resurrection of the dead, and from the power of divine wrath, which will appear in the damnation of sinners; and shows, that this power is that which is exerted in the implantation of faith, and in the continuance of it, and in the finishing of that work; and that this is a great power, an exceeding gr”