Susan Atkin’s Experience with God

New Nature

The term “new nature” refers to the spiritual transformation that occurs within the inner man when a person believes in Christ as Savior. The Christian is now a “new man” as opposed to the “old man” that he was before he became a Christian (Rom.6:6; Eph.2:15; Eph.4:22-23; Col.3:9-10). This concept of “newness” may be traced to an important choice between two Greek words, both meaning “new.” One word means “new” in the sense of renovation (to repair), the other in the sense of fresh existence. It is the latter that is used to describe the Christian. He is not the “old man” renovated or refreshed; he is a brand new man with a new family, a new set of values, new motivations, and new possessions.

The “old man” is still present in the new life and expresses itself in corrupting deeds such as lying (Eph.4:22; Col.3:9). The “new man,” to be viable must be put on as one would but on a new suit of clothes (Col.3:10). In other words, the new nature must be cultivated or nurtured by spiritual decisiveness to grow in Christ. We must not revert to putting on the “old suit” of the former life; rather, we must continue to grow in this “new life” (Eph.5:8).

The message of the new nature is a message of supreme hope: the Spirit of God can accomplish a life changing transformation for all who will only believe in Christ.

For many years I ministered to some of our nation’s most infamous serial murderers. Susan Atkins, a Charles Manson follower that murdered actress Sharon Tate in a most brutal and horrible manner accepted Jesus Christ as Her Savior while in prison. Many people, even good Christians, refused to forgive Susan and subscribed that her
“experience with God” was a mere front, a way of gaining the sympathy of thte California Parole Board.

I had the privilege of ministering to Susan. I know beyond any doubt that her Salvation was sincere. If you believe what the Bible says you must know that God can and does forgive all sinners (2 Cor.5:17). If God will save Susan Atkins and, yes, me, He will save you as well.

I urge you to “get serious with God” as where you spend eternity depends upon it. Susan Atkins is in Heaven with her Lord and Savior and you can be as well if you will only accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior as Susan did.

May God bless you is my prayer.