“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away, behold the new has come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17            

Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1-21

Yesterday we considered together the blessed truth of our home in heaven above. That home is made possible only through the ministry of reconciliation. In order to enter that home, we need to be reconciled to God. Our sins have driven us apart. Only Christ can bring us back together again.

The good news of Jesus Christ is that God, through Him, makes us new creatures. Being united to Christ through faith is to enjoy the benefits of the new birth and a life that is made new in Christ.

The words in Christ profoundly speak of the believer’s redemption. In Christ, believers are secure from the wrath of God against sin. In Christ, believers are accepted by God. In Christ, believers enjoy the assurance of the life to come. In Christ, believers participate in the divine nature of Christ (cf. 2 Peter 1:4).

Christians are changed people. To be sure, too much of the old remains, but those who are genuine believers know something of a life that has a new direction. While there have been many times where we have fallen back, the joy of the believer is knowing that we can go forward, in Christ, in this world as we prepare for the next. Praise God for such a life!

Suggestions for prayer

Thank our heavenly Father that believers are made new in Christ!

Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment.