The transformation brought about by the new birth is not only an instantaneous miracle but also a lifelong process of sanctification. For those so transformed, everything changes; the old things have passed away. Old values, ideas, plans, loves, desires, and beliefs vanish, replaced by the new things that accompany salvation. The verb tense used in this passage indicates a past act with continuing results in the present. God plants new desires, loves, inclinations, and truths in the redeemed, so that they live in the midst of the old creation with a new creation perspective (cf. Galatians 6:14). That perspective, as it is nourished and developed, helps believers gain victory in the battle against sin and conforms them into the image of Jesus Christ. Way back in the Old Testament book of Ezekiel we read, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” This has been made possible by the Work of Jesus Christ through His death, burial, and resurrection. And has been made possible because after those things He ascended to heaven, and sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts. It is God who works in us to conform us into the image of His Son, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. My friends, choose to walk in the Spirit and you can overcome the desires of the flesh.