A New Creation In Christ!

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

Devotion:

In this verse of great power, the Apostle Paul ushers in an enlivening and transformative truth. To be "in Christ" is to go through a total and radical transformation of birth—a spiritual birth that gives us a new identity by changing our lives.

The words "he is a new creature" represent a divine work that God alone can accomplish. This is not a fleshy renovation or an entry in a new chapter. This is no less than a complete renovation of the inner man. When we come to Christ, we are not simply improved versions of our old selves—we are entirely new. All our past sins, all of our failures, and all of our shame are not only covered; the blood of Jesus has washed them away. The expression "old things are passed away" cannot be temporary but permanent. Where is now that which used to frame who we are? Hence, we are the new new.

And Paul heralds these words: "Behold, all things are become new." The calling of the word "behold" is that we look, of course, we see, and we are filled with wonder at the grace of God upon us. God never ceases to erase our past, but He also gives us a new present and a bright future. The Spirit of God will begin to change all our wills so that from some other people for the works of the flesh may not be imputed to God anymore; the desire of our wills, our values, and our purposes all stand redone in the eyes of the Spirit of God. Where death had prevailed is now alive—the miraculous life. When one was once in bondage, now one is let to freedom. When guilt prevailed in life, where one felt in apprehension, now we stand in the sweet liberty of grace.

The verse reminds us that the very claim of our identity no longer has to do with the world but with Christ. The enemy may bring all your past to your face, but you must boldly confess that you are new in Christ. Let that be the truth in your being today. Live it; new creation—bought back, and branded anew by the grace of God.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,  Thank You for making me new in Christ. Thank You that the old things—my sin, my shame, my past—are gone. Help me to walk daily in the newness of life You have given me. Remind me, Holy Spirit, that I am not who I used to be, but who You say I am: a new creation, loved, chosen, and called. Strengthen me to live boldly and joyfully in this identity, for Your glory and by Your grace.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.