We Are New Creatures In Christ
"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."1
Some people think they can receive salvation and continue to live as before. But 2 Corinthians 5:17 is clear: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are passed away; behold, all things are made new." It is important to realize that this new creation is not an addition to your old self, but a new you entirely.
A person in Christ is a person forever changed. According to today's passage, this new self is, "created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24). Not only will sin lose its appeal to the believer, but the believer will also cherish God's Word and desire to reflect divine justice more and more. If we don't see evidence of these things in us, what does that say about the state of our hearts?
The Lord Jesus Christ assures us that salvation cannot be lost (John 10:28), for when we become children of God, we are forever His children. But it is possible to become apathetic about our identity in Christ. Does your lifestyle prove that you are a "new creature"? What is your attitude toward sin and the pursuit of righteousness? Although none of us will be able to live without completely sinning, our heart's desire should be to move forward in the direction of our new self, which has been created in the likeness of Christ.
Suggested Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, I want to thank you that in you I am a new creature. Lord, help me to live according to your will so that my lifestyle reflects that I am your child; That I'm a new creature. Help me to seek your righteousness and holiness every day of my life. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.
1. Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV).
Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.
All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.