New Life in Christ

When we become Christians we receive 'new life' from Christ — a radical, fresh start described as being 'born again', far more than simply turning over a new leaf. This new life touches every dimension of our being: our identity, our daily walk, and our eternal hope.

A New Creation

When we become Christians we receive 'new life' from Christ. Scripture declares, "We are a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come" (2 Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15). This is far more than turning over a new leaf; the Bible calls it "passing from death to life" (Jn 5:24). The death penalty imposed in the Garden of Eden is removed and we are offered a radical, fresh start, described as being 'born again'. "He has given us a new birth…" (1 Pet 1:3). This includes receiving a heart with new desires that is turned towards God (Ezek 11:19, 36:26; Rom 10:9-10; 2 Cor 3:16; Jas 4:8).

I am a new creation in Christ — 2 Corinthians 5:17

We can draw inspiration from when God addressed the Israelites, promising to gather them from the nations where they had been scattered and give them a new undivided heart (Ezek 11:17,19, 36:26). This will be fulfilled en-masse in the millennium, when Jesus the Messiah rules from Zion and Israel will be restored to faith (Rom 11:26). However, in faith, anyone can claim this promise to be made anew in heart by coming into a vital Saviour and redeemed sinner relationship, for He desires all people to be saved (Jn 1:12; 1 Tim 2:4). This is not merely a theological concept but a personal invitation — God's transforming grace is available to each person who responds in faith and receives Christ as Lord.

This new condition is vastly different from what came before — what was hardened by sin and largely motivated by ungodliness becomes soft and sensitive, with a focus towards God and holiness (2 Cor 3:3; Eph 4:18). One reason He gives us a new heart is to love Him (Mk 12:30). Is my new heart overflowing in love to Him for the gift of salvation, and also outwardly focused towards others (Mk 12:31)?

Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New

The power of the old, sinful life is broken, and so we are to put off that old nature and put on the new (Rom 6-8; Eph 4:22-24; Col 3:5-10). When the old, carnal nature seeks to regain dominance, take authority over it in the Name of Jesus, reckoning its power over you broken, and offer your body as an instrument of righteousness to God your new master, walking in newness of life in Christ (Rom 6:4,11-14; Gal 2:20; Jas 4:7; 1 Pet 5:8-9).

Put off the old self, put on the new — Ephesians 4:22–24

Often we do not comprehend the potential available in this new beginning, whereby our life can be continually in the process of being transformed into the image of Christ by exercising the fruit of the Spirit (Rom 8:29; Gal 5:22-23). The old habits and patterns of thinking do not disappear overnight, but as we cooperate with the Spirit's work within us, the new nature grows stronger and the old loses its grip.

A New and Living Way

Jesus, by His death, opened this new and living way for us to approach God, replacing the way of sacrificial death of an animal as was the case in the Old Testament (Heb 10:19-22). At the end of the age, Jesus says He will totally do away with the old and make all things new — a new heaven and a new earth (Rev 21:1,5).

A new and living way — Hebrews 10:20

We should not be apprehensive of the new or resist change, as life is continually in a state of transition from one stage to another. In life we should not be resistant to new approaches and methods — the world around us shifts constantly, and what was effective yesterday may not serve tomorrow's challenges. When fresh challenges present themselves, don't view them with fear of the unknown or see change as a threat but as an opportunity to see God work in new ways, remembering He is always with you (Heb 13:5). Be continually looking for new approaches and creative ways to present the gospel, yet remain faithful to the Bible. God and His message do not change but the packaging must be relevant! A rigid mindset can cause us to miss the fresh things God is doing (Isa 43:19), whereas a willingness to adapt keeps us open to His leading and fruitful in every season.

Although the new is built on the foundation of the past, don't allow it to dictate where you are going. Sometimes what we have experienced and been subject to is a catalyst not to repeat such a happening again; other times it can be the start of something worthwhile and rewarding. While we can't change the past, we can plot a new course going forward

Reflection and Application:

Am I truly living as a new creation, or am I still clinging to old patterns of thought and behaviour (2 Cor 5:17)?
When the old nature seeks to regain control, do I take authority in the Name of Jesus and offer myself afresh to God (Rom 6:12–14)?
Do I welcome change and new opportunities as a chance to see God work, or do I resist the unfamiliar (Heb 13:5)?
Is my new heart overflowing in love towards God and outward towards others (Mk 12:30-31)?