The Bible presents salvation as a life transforming experience. Change is one of the characteristics of a true believer. Failure to understand that this change takes place in the spirit first, and then is reflected in our outward appearance through our thoughts and actions in direct proportion to the way we renew our minds, causes much confusion.

This change has to take place in our born-again spirit first. Our bodies don't instantly change and neither does our soul or our mind.

It is our spirit that is instantly changed at salvation. It is perfect (Hebrews 12:23). It cannot sin (1 John 3:9). 

Everything that is true of Jesus is true of our born-again spirit. Our spiritual salvation is complete at salvation. We receive the same spirit that we will have throughout all eternity. It will not have to be changed or cleansed again. It is sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13) and is sanctified and perfected forever (Hebrews 10:10, 14; 12:23).

For the remainder of our Christian life, we must not try to obtain faith, joy or love from God, but rather release what we already have in our spirits (Galatians 5:22-23) into our soul and body. 

Failure to understand this has caused some people to despair when they don't see sufficient change in their life after coming to the Lord for salvation. It must be understood that the change is internal in our spirit and the outward change will take place as we renew our minds through God's Word.