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| Volume 25 Number 5 May 2023 |
Page 15 |
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| Volume 25 Number 5 May 2023 |
Page 15 |
Mark N. Posey
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV). When a sinner becomes a Christian, all phases of his life are new. The word “new” means “recently made, fresh, unused or unworn.” Being a new creation doesn’t mean that we are perfect; it means that we are changed and that we are being changed. Consider the phases of a new life for the Christian!
What does it mean to become a new creation in Christ? A new creation consists of the following:
A New Standard! Since Christ is perfect, we make Him our standard. We try to be and lead others to be not only Christians but to be Christ-like. In every decision, we should ask, “What would Jesus do?” (Philippians 1:21).
A New Hope! Some have no hope and are thus hopeless. A Christian’s hope is based on God’s Word. God has promised forgiveness of sins, strength to overcome temptation and eternal life to the faithful. We cannot create or earn any of these for ourselves, but we can trust God to supply them (1 Peter 1:3).
A New Outlook! Even if we gain the whole world and lose our soul, the worldly outlook fails. Even if we have all the world can give, the cosmopolitan outlook is short. Worldliness cannot reach beyond the grave; however, a Christian worldview expands to include all eternity in Christ (Matthew 16:26).
A New Incentive! Disappointments and discouragement come to all. Thus, when everything seems to go wrong, the worldly person may say, “What’s the use?” However, a Christian has a different perspective. To a Christian, disappointment is only a delay of anticipated blessings. The world at its worst is never a discouragement to a Christian because our greatest hope lies beyond this world (Philippians 1:23-25).
A New Purpose! Non-believers have self-centered and selfish purposes, but Christians know it is more blessed to give than to receive. Our purpose is to “fear God and keep His commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Our purpose is to serve and to please Him who loved us enough to die in our place (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
A New Obligation! In Christ, we have become children of God. We owe our Father reverence, loyalty, service and love. Yet, these obligations are a joy rather than a burden – an opportunity rather than a hardship (1 Corinthians 4:2).
A New Reward! The world may offer riches, fame, power, learning, social achievement and other desirable things, but it cannot offer what God offers to those in Christ – a forgiven life, a transformed life, eternal life, victory over sin and death, and a home in heaven (2 Peter 3:13)!
An authentic life, a better life and a wonderful life is only found in Christ. When one becomes a Christian, he or she has a new life in Him, and that makes all the difference in this world and in eternity!
