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33 verses · KJV · every verse read aloud

Bible Verses About Change and New Beginnings

What does the Bible say about change?

The Bible says God himself never changes (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8), so we can face life's changes without fear. In Christ a person becomes a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) and is changed by the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2). There is a season for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1), and God makes all things new.

  1. New beginnings: a new creation in Christ
  2. Be transformed: a changed heart and mind
  3. God does not change

Bible verses about change and New Beginnings: New beginnings — a new creation in Christ

God gives fresh starts.

8 verses

2 Corinthians 5:17

KJV
King James Version

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Corinthians 5:17

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used to teach that the moment a person trusts Christ he is born again as a new creation: his past is wiped clean and he is given a new identity in Christ.

First spoken: Paul wrote this to the church in Corinth. Just before, he says Christ died so that "those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him" (5:15), and that "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ" for the things done in the body (5:10).

The early Christians: Cyprian says he became a new man when "the water of new birth" washed away his old sins, and warns that fear must guard that new life so it is not lost. Chrysostom says the new creation is one more reason we must live for Christ and practice virtue, and he and Cyprian both tie the new birth to baptism.

“But after the help of the water of new birth had washed away the stain of former years, and a calm and pure light from above had been poured into my reconciled heart, after the Spirit breathed from heaven had brought about this change, a second birth restored me into a new man.” Cyprian, Epistles (To Donatus)

“So for this reason also, he says, we ought to live for Him. Not only because we are not our own, not only because He died for us, and not only because He raised up our First-fruits, but also because we have come into another life. See how many good reasons he gives for a life of virtue.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Second Corinthians

The difference: Today this verse is used to say a person becomes a new creation the moment he trusts Christ, with a new identity that is settled. The early Christians tied the new creation to baptism, "the water of new birth" (Cyprian), and said it must be guarded and lived out: Chrysostom calls it a reason "for a life of virtue."

Isaiah 43:18-19

KJV
King James Version

18Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. 19Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

“Do not call to mind the former things; pay no attention to the things of old. Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Isaiah 43:18-19

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used as a promise of a fresh start: forget your past, because God is doing a new thing in your life and will make a way in the wilderness.

First spoken: God spoke this through Isaiah to Judah in exile in Babylon, promising a new exodus home (Isaiah 43:14-21). The "rivers in the desert" were for "My chosen people."

The early Christians: Cyprian (c. AD 250) reads the new thing and the rivers in the dry land as baptism, water for God's chosen people made sons of God by the birth of baptism.

“There God foretold through the prophet that among the nations, in places that had previously been dry, rivers would afterward flow abundantly and would provide water for God’s chosen people. That is, they would provide it for those who were made sons of God by the birth of baptism.” Cyprian, Epistles

The difference: Today it is often heard as God giving me a new season of life. Cyprian read it as baptism, the rivers that make people God's children, and first it was a promise to the exiles.

Lamentations 3:22-23

KJV
King James Version

22It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Lamentations 3:22-23

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Used as a promise that God's mercy and faithfulness are fresh every day, giving hope and a new start each morning.

First spoken: Jeremiah mourns Jerusalem after the Babylonians destroyed it in 586 BC. In the middle of his grief (3:19-21) he recalls that God's mercies are why Israel was not wiped out. In 3:39-40 he urges the people to examine their ways and return to the Lord.

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: No Father in our library explains it. It was first Jeremiah's hope for the survivors of Jerusalem, a mercy that kept Israel from being destroyed, followed by a call to return to the Lord.

Ezekiel 36:26

KJV
King James Version

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ezekiel 36:26

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used to teach that God alone changes a sinner's heart at conversion: He replaces the heart of stone with a new heart, a new birth that is His work and not ours.

First spoken: God spoke this through Ezekiel to the exiles of Israel, promising to gather them from the nations, cleanse them and put His Spirit in them (Ezekiel 36:24-27). Verse 27 gives the purpose: "that you may walk in My statutes, and keep My judgments, and do them."

The early Christians: Origen quotes the promise (with its purpose, that they may walk in His statutes and keep His precepts) and says the stony heart is taken away from those who submit themselves to the Physician, not from those who are unwilling. He also says no one is given a stony heart by God; it is made by wickedness.

“So, in the same way, the Word of God promises to take away wickedness, which it calls a stony heart, from those who come to it, not if they are unwilling, but only if they submit themselves to the Physician of the sick.” Origen, On First Principles

“For no one receives from God a heart created of stone, but it becomes such as a result of wickedness.” Origen, On First Principles

The difference: Today the verse is often read as God doing everything in the new birth, with no part left to us. Origen reads it as God's healing promise to those who give themselves to Him, so that they will then keep His commandments, and says our free will stays in play.

Philippians 3:13-14

KJV
King James Version

13Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Philippians 3:13-14

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used as a call to forget your past failures and mistakes and press on toward your God-given goal.

First spoken: Paul writes from prison that he has not yet reached the resurrection or been made perfect (Philippians 3:10-12), and that he keeps running the race. Just after, verse 15 tells the "perfect" to think this way.

The early Christians: Chrysostom says Paul forgets his good deeds, not only his sins, so that he stays humble and keeps running, counting what remains and not what is finished. Tertullian says the prize is the resurrection from the dead at its proper time.

“Nothing makes our true excellences empty and blows them away so much as remembering the good deeds we have done. For this produces two evils. It makes us remiss, and it lifts us up into haughtiness.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Philippians

“We should forget our successes and throw them behind us. For the runner does not count up how many circuits he has finished, but how many are left. We too should count up, not how far we have advanced in virtue, but how much remains for us.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Philippians

The difference: Today the verse is often taken as 'let go of your past hurts and mistakes and chase your dreams.' The early Christians read it as: do not rest on your good works, keep running to the end of life, and the prize is the kingdom and the resurrection.

Revelation 21:5

KJV
King James Version

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

And the One seated on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are faithful and true.”

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Revelation 21:5

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used for fresh starts and personal renewal (God makes my life new), and for the promise of a new heaven and earth after the final judgment.

First spoken: John sees Jesus on the throne after the final judgment, beside the new heaven, new earth and New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-5). The voice then says, 'Write, for these words are true and faithful.' The 'new' follows the old order of tears and death passing away (21:4).

The early Christians: Irenaeus quotes the verse and teaches that creation is not destroyed but renewed: when the present form passes away and humanity is made new and incorruptible, there will be a real new heaven and new earth where the righteous remain with God. He also says creation will be freed from bondage at the resurrection of the just.

“But when this present form of things passes away, and humankind is renewed and flourishes in an incorruptible state, preventing them from becoming old, then there will be a new heaven and new earth, where the new humanity will remain continually, always engaging with God.” Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book 5

“The apostle also confirmed that creation will be freed from the bondage of corruption, to enter into the liberty of the children of God.” Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book 5

The difference: Today the verse is often used for a 'new start' in this life. Irenaeus reads it of the end: God renewing the real creation and the real bodies of the righteous at the resurrection, a new heaven and new earth where they live with God. Evangelicals who read it of the new creation are close to him there.

Romans 6:4

KJV
King James Version

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.

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1 Peter 1:3

KJV
King James Version

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Peter 1:3

Bible verses about change and New Beginnings: Be transformed — a changed heart and mind

Real change is God's work from the inside out.

8 verses

Romans 12:2

KJV
King James Version

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 12:2

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used to teach that as I renew my thinking, mainly by taking in the Bible, I will be able to discern God's specific will for my life and my decisions.

First spoken: Paul wrote this to the church in Rome right after urging them, "by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1). Verses 3-21 then spell out that life: humility, love without pretending, blessing those who persecute you, and not repaying evil for evil.

The early Christians: John Chrysostom says the "world" here is the passing show of riches, glory, beauty and luxury, that we renew ourselves every day by repentance, tears, confession and good works, and that God's will is already known: a humble, simple life of self-control and hardship. Cyprian reads verses 1-2 as Christians offering themselves as living sacrifices and holding on to the end, and Clement of Alexandria as living as strangers to those who hope in the earth.

“What then are the things that God wills? To live in poverty, in lowliness of mind, in contempt of glory; in continency, not in self-indulgence; in tribulation, not in ease; in sorrow, not in dissipation and laughter; and in all the other points on which He has given us laws.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Romans

“For speak of riches, or glory, or beauty of person, or luxury, or whatever other things in it seem great, it is only a fashion, not reality; a show and a mask, not any abiding substance.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Romans

The difference: Today this verse is often used to find God's personal will for my choices. The early Christians read God's will here as already known, a humble and simple life of self-control that does not run from hardship, and the renewing as daily repentance and good works, set apart from the world's riches and show.

Ephesians 4:22-24

KJV
King James Version

22That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

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2 Corinthians 3:18

KJV
King James Version

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

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Psalms 51:10

KJV
King James Version

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 51:10

How the early church read itSame reading

How it is used today: Used as a prayer of repentance: only God can cleanse us, so we ask Him to create a clean heart and a steady spirit in us.

First spoken: David prays this after the prophet Nathan confronted him about Bathsheba and Uriah (Psalm 51 title; 2 Samuel 12). Verse 11 goes on: "Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me."

The early Christians: Origen says our will alone cannot make the heart pure, so one who prays rightly asks God to create it. Chrysostom uses the verse for inner purity over outward washing, and sets it beside Isaiah's command 'Wash yourselves,' so we also have our part.

“But since the strength of our will is not enough to obtain a perfectly pure heart, and since we need God to create it, he who prays as he ought offers this request to God: “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” Origen, Against Celsus

“It is not the dirt of the body, but the impurity of the soul, that God hates. For He says, "Blessed are the pure"—does He say, "in body"? No, "in heart": for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 And what does the Prophet say? "Create in me a clean heart, O God." Psalm 51:10” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Second Timothy

Where they agree: Both read it as a prayer of repentance that asks God to do what we cannot do alone. The early Christians also stress that we must wash ourselves and put away evil, and then God makes us clean.

Colossians 3:9-10

KJV
King James Version

9Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Colossians 3:9-10

Acts 3:19

KJV
King James Version

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away,

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Philippians 1:6

KJV
King James Version

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Philippians 1:6

2 Corinthians 4:16

KJV
King James Version

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Corinthians 4:16

Bible verses about change and New Beginnings: God does not change

When everything shifts, God stays the same.

6 verses

Malachi 3:6

KJV
King James Version

For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

“Because I, the LORD, do not change, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed.

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Hebrews 13:8

KJV
King James Version

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Hebrews 13:8

How the early church read itSame reading

How it is used today: Used to teach that Jesus and His character never change, so we can trust Him as the early church did, and by some to say the miracles and healings of the Gospels still happen today.

First spoken: Hebrews 13 tells readers to remember their leaders who spoke God's word (13:7) and, right after this verse, not to be carried away by various and strange teachings (13:9).

The early Christians: Alexander of Alexandria quotes it against Arius to prove that the Son is not a created thing and does not change. Novatian uses God's unchanging nature to show He is eternal, not mortal.

“For even though one saying may refer to the Father Himself, yet it would now be more aptly spoken of the Word, because when He became man, He changed not. But, as the apostle says, "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever," Hebrews 13:8.” Alexander of Alexandria, Epistles on the Arian Heresy

“He, then, is always like Himself. Nor does He ever turn or change Himself into any form, lest by change He should seem to be mortal.” Novatian, Treatise Concerning the Trinity

Where they agree: Both say Christ is unchanging God. The early church used the verse mainly to defend His full deity against those who said the Son was made; the popular claim that it promises the same miracles today is not what they argued from it.

James 1:17

KJV
King James Version

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about James 1:17

Numbers 23:19

KJV
King James Version

God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?

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Isaiah 40:8

KJV
King James Version

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”

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Psalms 102:25-27

KJV
King James Version

25Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. 26They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: 27But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

In the beginning You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing You will change them, and they will be passed on. But You remain the same, and Your years will never end.

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Bible verses about change and New Beginnings: A time for everything — seasons of change

God rules over every season of life.

5 verses

Ecclesiastes 3:1

KJV
King James Version

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:

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Ecclesiastes 3:11

KJV
King James Version

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom the work that God has done from beginning to end.

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Daniel 2:21

KJV
King James Version

And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

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Jeremiah 29:11

KJV
King James Version

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Jeremiah 29:11

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Used as a personal promise that God has a good plan for my life: to prosper me, keep me from harm and give me a bright future.

First spoken: Jeremiah sent this in a letter to the Jewish exiles carried off to Babylon (Jeremiah 29:1). God told them to settle there and pray for the city (29:7), and promised that after seventy years He would bring the nation home (29:10), when they sought Him with all their heart (29:13).

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: First a promise to the Jewish exiles in Babylon that God would bring the nation home after seventy years, when they sought Him with all their heart. It shows that God keeps His word, but it is not a promise that every reader has a personal plan for success and safety.

Proverbs 16:9

KJV
King James Version

A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

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Bible verses about change and New Beginnings: Courage when life changes

The Lord goes with you into what is new.

6 verses

Joshua 1:9

KJV
King James Version

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

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How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Claimed as a personal promise that God is with me wherever I go, so I can face any challenge with courage, and many read it as a promise that He will give me success.

First spoken: God spoke this to Joshua after Moses died, as he was about to lead Israel across the Jordan into Canaan (Joshua 1:1-2). The verses just before tie the courage to obedience: "be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law... turn not from it to the right hand or to the left" (1:7-8).

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: This was first a promise to Joshua, for the job of leading Israel into the land, and it was tied to keeping all of God's law (verses 7-8). It shows God stands by those He sends, but it is not a promise that every reader will succeed at whatever they take on.

Deuteronomy 31:8

KJV
King James Version

And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

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Isaiah 41:10

KJV
King James Version

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Isaiah 41:10

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Claimed as a personal promise that God is with me, so I need not be afraid: He will strengthen me, help me, and hold me up through whatever I face.

First spoken: God spoke this to Israel: "But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the descendants of Abraham My friend" (Isaiah 41:8). The nations around were afraid and making idols (41:5-7), and God promised that Israel's enemies "shall be as nothing" (41:11-12) as He brought His people back from exile.

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: This was first a promise to Israel, God's chosen servant, as He brought them home from exile. It shows that God keeps His word and stands by His people, but it was not spoken as a promise that every reader will be kept from fear, harm or hardship.

Proverbs 3:5-6

KJV
King James Version

5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 3:5-6

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used as a promise of personal guidance: if I trust God instead of my own judgment and bring Him into every decision, He will guide my choices and make the path of my life straight and clear.

First spoken: Solomon is teaching his son (Proverbs 3:1, "My son, do not forget my law"). The next verse says "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil" (3:7), and verses 11-12 say "do not despise the chastening of the LORD... for whom the LORD loves He corrects." In the Greek Old Testament the early church read, verse 6 says to acknowledge "her," that is, wisdom.

The early Christians: Clement of Alexandria quotes verse 5 as relying on God with all your heart and mind, and reads verse 6 together with verses 7 and 11-12: not being wise in your own eyes means fearing God, departing from evil, and accepting His painful discipline. He is the only Father in our library who comments on these verses.

“But fear God, who alone is powerful. From where it follows, as a consequence, that we are not to oppose God. The words that follow teach especially clearly that the fear of God is departure from evil. For it is said, "and depart from all evil." Such is the discipline of wisdom, for "whom the Lord loves He chastens," causing pain in order to produce understanding, and restoring to peace and immortality.” Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies)

The difference: Today this verse is often used as a promise that God will guide my personal decisions and smooth my road. The early Christians read it with the verses after it: trusting God means fearing Him, turning away from evil, and accepting His correction, even when it hurts, rather than following our own reason.

Philippians 4:6-7

KJV
King James Version

6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Philippians 4:6-7

How the early church read itSame reading

How it is used today: Used as the cure for worry: pray about everything with thanks instead of being anxious, and God's peace will guard your heart, though not always giving what you ask.

First spoken: Paul wrote this from prison to the church at Philippi, which was under pressure and had quarrels inside it (Philippians 4:2-5). Verse 5, "The Lord is at hand," comes just before it and is the reason not to worry.

The early Christians: Chrysostom reads it the same way: prayer with thanksgiving is the medicine for grief, and the Lord being near is the comfort. He adds that God's peace includes being at peace with enemies, and that it keeps us firm in the faith.

“Behold another consolation, a medicine that heals grief, and distress, and all that is painful. And what is this? Prayer, thanksgiving in all things. And so He wills that our prayers should not simply be requests, but thanksgivings too for what we have. For how should he ask for future things, who is not thankful for the past?” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Philippians

“What does “in Christ Jesus” mean? He will guard us in Him, so that you may remain firm and not fall away from His faith.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Philippians

Where they agree: Both say bring everything to God with thanks and He will guard your heart. Chrysostom also ties the peace to the Lord's nearness (judgment and reward) and to staying firm in Christ's faith, not only to feeling calm.

Romans 8:28

KJV
King James Version

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 8:28

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used as a promise that whatever happens in my life, even the bad things, God is working it all into His good plan for me; many also read "called according to His purpose" as God's own eternal choice of who will be saved (verses 29-30).

First spoken: Paul wrote this to the church in Rome. Just before, he speaks of "the sufferings of this present time" and of the Spirit helping us when "we do not know what we should pray for as we ought" (8:18-27). The promise is for "those who love God," and verses 35-36 name what he has in mind: trouble, persecution, hunger, the sword.

The early Christians: John Chrysostom says Paul is speaking to people in danger: God does not promise that trouble will not come, but He turns the painful things themselves into good for those who love Him, as with the three young men in the furnace. He also reads the "purpose" in this verse as including the free choice of those who are called, since all were called but not all obeyed. Clement of Alexandria uses the verse to encourage Christians facing martyrdom.

“So he does not say that no trouble comes near those who love God, but that "it works together for good." That is, He uses the painful things themselves to prove those whom others plot against. And this is much greater than keeping such troubles from coming, or stopping them after they have come.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Romans

“Therefore he says that it is not the calling alone, but also the purpose of those who are called, that works salvation. For the calling was not forced on them or made compulsory. All, then, were called, but not all obeyed the call.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Romans

The difference: Today this verse is often read as God making whatever happens turn out well for me, and by some as God alone choosing who is saved. Chrysostom says it is for those who love God, that the "good" may be the hardship itself rather than escape from it, and that God calls everyone but not all obey the call.

Short Bible verses about change and New Beginnings

Easy to memorize, to write in a card, or to send to a friend.

3 verses

  • “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

    Psalms 51:10 KJV · 15 words

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  • “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

    Hebrews 13:8 KJV · 11 words

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  • “A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.”

    Proverbs 16:9 KJV · 12 words

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What the first Christians said about change

Exact words from our library of the early church writers. Each one opens at the place it was written.

“Having received the forgiveness of sins, and placed our trust in the name of the Lord, we have become new creatures”

BarnabasEpistle of Barnabas
Read and listen to Barnabas

“Lay aside, therefore, the evil, the old, the sour leaven, and be ye changed into the new leaven”

Ignatius of AntiochEpistle to the Magnesians
Read and listen to Ignatius of Antioch

The Greek and Hebrew words for change

The words behind the English. Each word page has a Listen button for how it is said.

Questions people ask about change in the Bible

What does the Bible say about change?

God does not change (Malachi 3:6), but he changes us: anyone in Christ is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), transformed by the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2). Life has its seasons (Ecclesiastes 3:1), and God is with us in each one (Joshua 1:9).

Listen: Malachi 3:6 · 2 Corinthians 5:17 · Romans 12:2 · Ecclesiastes 3:1 · Joshua 1:9

What does the Bible say about new beginnings?

God offers a fresh start. Anyone in Christ is a new creation, and the old has passed away (2 Corinthians 5:17). God says not to dwell on the past, because he is doing a new thing (Isaiah 43:18-19), and his mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Listen: 2 Corinthians 5:17 · Isaiah 43:18-19 · Lamentations 3:22-23

Does God change?

No. God says he does not change (Malachi 3:6), and Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). With God there is no shadow of turning (James 1:17), so his promises can be trusted when everything else shifts.

Listen: Malachi 3:6 · Hebrews 13:8 · James 1:17

How can a person change according to the Bible?

Real change starts with God's work in the heart: he promises a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26). We turn to him in repentance (Acts 3:19), put off the old self and put on the new (Ephesians 4:22-24), and are transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2).

Listen: Ezekiel 36:26 · Acts 3:19 · Ephesians 4:22-24 · Romans 12:2

What does the Bible say about seasons of change?

There is a time for everything under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1), and God is the one who changes the times and seasons (Daniel 2:21). He makes everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Listen: Ecclesiastes 3:1 · Daniel 2:21 · Ecclesiastes 3:11

How do I face big changes in life?

Be strong and courageous, because the Lord goes with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9; Deuteronomy 31:8). Trust him rather than your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6), and bring your worries to him in prayer with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7).

Listen: Joshua 1:9 · Deuteronomy 31:8 · Proverbs 3:5-6 · Philippians 4:6-7