Temptation, Transformation, and the Grace of God

From a past filled with sin, guilt, and spiritual darkness to discovering grace, forgiveness, and a new direction in Christ, this blog explores what real transformation truly looks like. It tackles honest questions many believers face: Am I truly changed? How do I know my faith is real? Through Scripture and personal reflection, this message reminds readers that salvation is not about perfection, but about continually running to Jesus in the middle of life’s daily battles and temptations.

TESTIMONIES

Christopher Sumrall

5/8/20263 min read

Transformation: How Do I Know I’ve Truly Changed?

There was a time in my life when I lived differently.

I lied. I stole. I lusted. Besides murder, what did I not do, according to God's commands! I knew these things were wrong, yet I chose them anyway. Maybe some people would call it being “young and dumb,” but deep down I knew sin was leading me somewhere dangerous. I was lost.

Then something happened that shook me to my core. After a demonic encounter, I began thinking differently about life, eternity, and the consequences of the path I was walking. For the first time, I seriously questioned where I was headed and who I was becoming.

That’s when I realized something important:

I could not change myself.

Real transformation does not come from willpower, self-help, or pretending to be better than we are. True transformation only comes through Jesus Christ.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

— Bible, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Jesus didn’t just call me to behave differently — He called me to become different.

But even after coming to Christ, temptation did not disappear.

Every single day we are surrounded by temptation. The old life still tries to call us back. Sin still stares us in the face. The battle is real.

And if we’re honest, many believers wrestle with the same question:

“Am I truly transformed, or am I fooling myself?”

That question can weigh heavily on the heart. We know salvation is by grace through faith, not by our own perfection.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”

— Bible, Ephesians 2:8

So how can we know our faith is real?

One evidence of transformation is not that temptation disappears — it’s where we run when temptation comes.

Before Christ, I ran toward sin.

Now, when my old sins tempt me, I run to Jesus.

That does not mean I am perfect. Far from it. But my heart has changed direction. I no longer want to live separated from God. I no longer love the things that once enslaved me. Instead, I find myself praying, repenting, and depending on Christ daily.

That struggle itself is evidence that God is working in us.

“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.”

— Bible, Galatians 5:17

A transformed life is not a sinless life — it is a surrendered life.

The Apostle Paul himself described the battle against sin, yet he continually pointed back to Christ as the answer.

“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

— Bible, Romans 7:24–25

The truth is, none of us will cross the finish line of eternity because of our own goodness. Our “filthy rags” could never save us.

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.”

— Bible, Isaiah 64:6

The only hope any of us have is Jesus Christ.

We are all running a race toward eternity. The question is: Who will be waiting for us at the finish line?

Will it be the old sinful life we once clung to?

Or will it be Jesus Christ — the One who transforms sinners, gives grace to the undeserving, and never leaves those who truly belong to Him?

My prayer is simple:

Lord, never let me stop running to You.

“Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.”

— Bible, Hebrews 12:1–2

At Bloodfallen's CB Corner, we believe faith should not be hidden away from our daily lives or our work. We serve customers honestly and transparently because Christ changed us first. Our goal is not to appear perfect, but to point people to the One who saves imperfect people every day.

And if you’re struggling, questioning, or fighting temptation yourself, remember this:

The fact that you’re running to Jesus instead of away from Him says more than you realize.

Grace is not permission to stay the same.

Grace is the reason transformation is possible.