Originally Posted by allthisstuff
My thought is this, if she develops a prayer life and actually delves into the Bible herself can't she be the same? Or perhaps she needs her life to be shaken by God, in which case I ask for your prayers.
Unfortunately, and the truth of the matter is... Christianity isn't an observance of some rite, trying to live a moral life, helping the poor, or any other form of asceticism. It isn't something merely external but rather it begins when the Holy Spirit recreates one's nature, i.e., regenerated, aka: born again, born anew, born from above. Yes, typically and most always, God uses means through which the Spirit does this supernatural, silent and unnoticed work in a sinner. Again, typically and most always the Spirit works in conjunction with the Word (Bible); preached, taught or read. (cf. Rom 1:16; 10:12-17; 1Thess 2:13; 2Thess 2:13-14; Jam 1:18-21; 1Pet 1:23-25)

Until God looks upon her in mercy, sending the Holy Spirit according to His sovereign will to do that sovereign and mighty work of creating a new nature within her, nothing she does will have any positive affect whatsoever. All the reading, listening to sermons, praying, etc., can never accomplish that which is so desperately needed. However, she should avail herself of these means, constantly praying that God would have mercy upon her and show her what a great sinner she is; a sinner who is under God's wrath and condemnation, an enemy of God who is helpless to change her spiritually dead condition. May God be merciful to her and grant her repentance and true faith in Christ unto life eternal.

These articles may help you to understand:

- What is a Biblical Christian?
- Regeneration or New Birth

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simul iustus et peccator

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