Tabula Rasa
Let the Spirit Be the Ink on Your Blank Tablet
Tabula rasa is a Latin term meaning “clean slate” or “blank slate,” originating from Roman wax tablets that could be wiped clean and reused. This concept often refers to the idea that people are born without inherent knowledge, developing understanding and skills through life’s experiences.
In Christian theology, however, we are not considered to be born as blank slates. Due to the original sin of Adam and Eve, we inherit a sinful nature from birth.
As David writes in Psalm 51:5, “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” This stands in contrast to tabula rasa, which suggests a morally neutral starting point.
According to Scripture, our knowledge and understanding must be shaped not by worldly wisdom alone but through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who helps us see life through a biblical lens.
The Bible further teaches that while people are not morally blank at birth, believers can still experience a renewal—a kind of spiritual tabula rasa—when they come to Christ.
As 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
In Christ, our sins are forgiven, and our souls are refreshed, giving us a new beginning. This transformation goes beyond mental knowledge, reshaping our hearts, values, and purpose.
Encounter with Dan Frazier
I met Dan Frazier during my time in Schenectady, New York, while working near Albany in 2002. Dan was a child probation officer with a heart for healing families rather than dividing them. He introduced me to some of his closest friends, and he and his girlfriend, Linda, welcomed me like family. Dan often shared stories of his work and experiences, and his compassion for helping children stood out.
Many years later, in October 2024, I reconnected with Dan, flying to Albany to see him after meeting a friend, Francis Robert from New York City. Dan picked me up from the Albany airport, and we drove to his home in Amsterdam, New York. We spent hours discussing life, just as we had in the past.
During this visit, Dan introduced me to a concept he called tabula rasa. Though I’d never heard it before, his explanation resonated deeply with me. He encouraged me to live as a “blank slate” for the Holy Spirit, ready for God’s guidance.
The Spiritual New Creation
Dan’s words were a reminder of the profound change that faith in Christ brings. While the Bible does not present us as starting life as blank slates, it speaks to the possibility of becoming a “new creation” through Jesus Christ. Our past sins are forgiven, and we receive the chance to rewrite our lives with God’s grace.
The Apostle Paul’s story illustrates this spiritual reset vividly.
Once a Pharisee named Saul, Paul was fervent in his persecution of Christians, believing he was defending the Jewish faith. However, his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19) transformed him completely. Blinded and humbled, Paul experienced a total surrender to God, becoming a “blank slate” in his vulnerability. Following this, he spent three days fasting and praying, allowing the Holy Spirit to reshape his understanding, purpose, and mission.
This transformation led Paul to become one of the most influential apostles, focusing on spreading the gospel to the Gentiles and writing much of the New Testament. Through the Holy Spirit, Paul’s life took a 180-degree turn, proving the profound renewal God can bring. Later, he even referred to himself as a “new creation” in Christ and counted his former life as “loss” compared to knowing Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:7-8).
A Renewed Mind and Spirit
Living as a blank slate for the Holy Spirit involves daily surrender. As Paul encourages in Romans 12:2, we are to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This renewal reshapes how we see ourselves and the world, aligning our thoughts with God’s will.
Dan’s life mirrored this transformation. During my visit, I saw how he’d grown over the years, his commitment to God deepened. Though he still enjoyed talking about life and stories from the past, he often shared how the Holy Spirit had been guiding him in recent years.
I had brought him a bottle of Jameson whiskey (his favorite) as a gift, only to discover he had been sobered for nine years—a testament to his dedication and discipline. His journey is a reminder that, like Paul, any of us can become a “new creation” through God’s grace.
After leaving New York, I messaged Dan to let him know I planned to write a blog titled Tabula Rasa. He replied with a simple but profound message: “Let the Spirit be the ink on your blank tablet.” His words captured what he’d taught me: that we’re meant to open ourselves fully to God, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and shape us.
God calls each of us to be blank slates, ready for His purpose. In surrendering our lives to Him, we allow His Spirit to rewrite our stories, transforming us into new creations filled with His wisdom and love.
Conclusion
Becoming a blank slate in the hands of God is not about erasing who we are but about surrendering our lives to be written and shaped by the Holy Spirit. Like the Apostle Paul, who was transformed by Christ and called to a new purpose, we too can experience a fresh start when we embrace God’s will over our own.
As we open ourselves to His guidance, we invite the Spirit to renew our minds, refresh our hearts, and guide us in the path He has set for us. May we let the Spirit be the ink on our blank tablets, trusting Him to script a story that reflects His love and grace.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of new beginnings through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We come before You as blank slates, ready to receive Your wisdom, guidance, and love. Holy Spirit, fill us with Your presence and renew our hearts, minds, and lives. Transform us as You transformed Paul, guiding us in the purpose You have for each of us. Help us to surrender fully to Your will, allowing Your Spirit to write the story of our lives in a way that glorifies You. May we be vessels of Your love, walking in faith and reflecting Your light to the world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Lawrence Manickam is a servant of the Lord, a Canadian Indian with Mexican permanent residency, living an international life. In July 2024, he completed his Master of Arts (Pastoral Counseling) graduate program at Liberty University, Virginia. Contact him if you need Biblical counseling or prayers.