Created Anew In Christ

by: Pastor Jose V. Velasco  

   

     We have just celebrated New Year. A common theme during this celebration is renewal. But renewal has many categories: political, technological, cultural, religious, etc. Change could be for the better or for the worse. Here, we are not talking merely about a change for the better but for the best. This is so because we are dealing with a renewal towards a right relationship with our God.

        Originally God created the first humans good (Gen. 1:31) and in perfect harmony with Him. He created them in His image to be His beloved children enjoying His peace, joy, love, security, protection and provision of all their needs. Above all Adam and Eve enjoyed the continuing company of their Almighty and loving God who looked after their utmost wellbeing. He put them in the beautiful Garden of Eden (Gen. 2:8,15). This was the original paradise where there was the tree of life (Rev. 2:7). Then Adam and Eve sinned and all of that changed (Gen. 3). Out of guilt they fled and avoided God (Gen. 3:8).They were driven out of Eden, and got separated from God (Gen. 3:23). They were corrupted with sin and God’s image in them was defaced. But the fact of the matter is that this is the story of us all. All of us are sinners and lost God’s glory (Rom. 3:23). Much of our values, ideas, attitudes and life-styles are ungodly. Hence, evil is rampant all around us. But God does not want us to stay that way forever. He wants all to be saved and learn God’s truth (1 Tim. 2:4). He does not want anyone to perish but must repent (2 Pet. 3:9b). So, that sinful condition must be changed and fixed. Jesus called that process “born again” (Jn. 3:3). It includes the restoration of the lost divine image. Since Christ is “the image of the invisible God” (Col. 1:15), we must become like Him spiritually and morally. This is God’s goal for us (Rom. 8:29; 1 Jn. 3:2b). Unless we are born again we will not see the kingdom of God (Jn. 3:3).  How will that renewal happen?

     It is mainly the work of God. Sin has paralyzed us so severely that in our own power and strength we cannot change our sinful nature. Hence, Paul cried miserably, “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death” (Rom. 7:24)? God comes to us in Jesus Christ to offer us His love and forgiveness. This is God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). If we believe in Jesus Christ and accept that offer He sends His Holy Spirit to do the renewal in us. “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” (Jn. 3:6). “And we, - - are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Cor. 3:18).

     What then must we do? We must confess that we are lost sinners and receive His forgiveness (1 Jn. 1:9). In this act of faith we are reunited to God in Christ. Paul said, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Cor.5:17). Are you sure you now have that renewed life in Christ, and live with Him in eternity after this earthly life? If not you may pray the following:

Prayer: 

     Lord God, I humbly acknowledge that I am a lost sinner. I ask you to forgive and cleanse me of all my sins. May you come into my life and be my Lord and King. Renew me and make me your child forever. In Jesus’ wonderful name I pray. Amen.