New Creatures
Christians are transformed into "new creatures" as taught by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5-17,
as given him through inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We are made 'brand new' on the inside,
as the Holy Spirit gives new life . The statement, "new creatures," does not mean one has been
reformed, rehabilitated, or re-educated. One has been made a new creation, and lives in vital
unity with the Lord Jesus Christ. (Colossians 2: 6, 7)
People of every tribe, nation, race, and denomination who have received Jesus are part of the Universal
Church or Body of Christ on this earth. We are the "one new man" spoken of in God's Word.
Salvation is extended to "whosoever will" and all can be part of the "family of God"
and citizens of that heavenly city from above.
The Greek meaning of the word 'regeneration' is "spiritual renovation" and "restoration" through a new spiritual birth. When one is born again, they have a 'new nature' and must continue to walk in the Spirit of the Lord as instructed.
Each day a Christian can be sanctified by the Word, which helps one continue to change their life through the power of Holy Spirit.
Accepting Christ and becoming a new creature is more than just 'turning over a new
leaf' as some might say. It is beginning a 'new life' under a new Master.
God reconciles or brings back to Him by blotting out one's sins,
(Ephesians 2: 13-18), and making one righteous. Being "born again" gives us spiritual 'dna' from on high as Children of our heavenly Father.
We are told that we are no longer strangers, foreigners, or enemies to God, because we
now trust in Christ. As Christians, we are a part of the universal family of God on Earth
and of all the Saints of God who have gone on before us.
One day we shall all be united when the Son presents his Bride to the Father, and his glory shall be revealed forevermore.
The good news is we have been reconciled back to God, and he now gives us the privilege
of encouraging others to do the same. His arm of mercy will always be extended to others
and he will use us to tell of his saving grace. Many are lost in the world waiting for someone
to tell them that they can trade their sin for Christ's goodness.
There is no other exchange like God's grace and unmerited favor given to us.
"Our sin was poured into Christ at his crucifixon and his goodness is poured into us at our conversion.
When we consider "bartering" in the world's system, most people trade things of equal value which is what makes the system of exchange or bartering work.
In God's system, he trades
his righteousness for our sin. He gives us 'unmerited favor' of immeasurable worth for something worthless." (New Life Application Bible Commentary)
We should be grateful for his marvelous goodness shown to us, which brought us new life.
May we be his ambassadors or official representatives, with his message of reconciliation for
others in this world. We are all sinners saved by grace, but this grace does not give us license to sin according to God's Word and the Apostle Paul who tells us one is not to continue in sin, but go forward in God's
righteousness as a new creation. If one sins, they have an Advocate, but we are told
one must put away the old man and embrace the new way of living
for the Lord.
As representatives, we have an important responsibility.
As we go our way, we can fulfill this responsibility with the help of his Holy Spirit.
His strength is our joy and there is no greater
joy than sharing Jesus! Jesus lives within our hearts, and as he changes our hearts, he also works on the outside that we might walk in the spirit.
He is an "Awesome God" who has the best plan of all for all men. Sharing Jesus is sharing life!
Blessings In Christ,
Jo Ann
J. P.'s Inspirations (c) 2002
Once Upon A Hill
Once we were blind.....but now we see,
Once we were bound by sin...now we are set free,
Once upon a hill....Jesus died for all the lost,
Once upon a cross...Our Savior paid salvation's cost.
We are new creatures as the old has passed away,
Becoming who we were meant to be...sanctified day by day.
Saved by the blood and walking in the light,
God gave us new hope and restored our spiritual sight.
All creation will glorify God and his praises sing,
Every knee shall bow and tongue confess ...He is Lord and King,
One day soon he shall come and receive his own,
We shall live with him forever in our new heavenly home.
Jo Ann Kelly
J. P.'s Inspirations (c) 5-27-2002
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