“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
But be transformed…
It is absolutely true that God invites all sinners to come to him just as we are. If God expected us to be better or holy or more Christ-like before coming to him, no one would qualify.
It is absolutely true that everyone is invited to come to Jesus just as they are. BUT no one is allowed to stay as they are.
Once we come to Jesus and are forgiven from sin and declared righteous as God’s sons and daughters, it would be ludicrous to stay in the same condition that we showed up. It would be ludicrous to remain the same ol’ sinner.
NO! We are called to refrain from “conforming to the pattern of this world.” Instead, God calls us to “be transformed by the renewing of our minds.” And when we are transformed by renewing our minds according to God’s word, we are able “to test and approve what God’s will is – his good and pleasing and perfect will.”
Yes. Everyone is invited to come to Jesus just as they are. BUT no one is allowed to stay just as they are. Everyone who is forgiven is called to be changed by God’s renewing word.
Praxis: Faith in Action 