Old To The New

Old to the New

2nd Cor. 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.

The old saying "come as you are" is a true statement, but God does not want us to stay that way. As a Christian I should want to live a life that is pleasing to God, and one that honors God in all that I do and say.

1. Qualifiers. V:17a

First, we notice the qualifiers who can be in Christ (any man). Any man or woman can receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior no matter how bad they have been, no matter where they came from, or what they came out of in life, Jesus can save them. If the truth be told we Christians have all been saved from issues that God did not like and would have never accepted. The Bible states we have all come short of the glory of God therefore we need a Savior (Romans 3:23). The only way I can be "in Christ" I have to ask Jesus to come into my heart, and save me, and forgive my sins, and be my personal Lord and Savior.

2. Transformation. V:17b

Second, we see the transformation; after repentance Jesus comes into my heart and then I become a new creature and I am not my own because I have been bought and paid for by Christ (1st Cor. 6:19-20). It is here where I am transformed from old to new in Christ no longer wanting to live in sin, but wanting to live for Jesus. This doesn't make us perfect as Christians, but it does save us from God's judgment. When it is our time to face God; He will look at us and not see our shortcomings, but God will see Christ's righteousness wrapped around us making us perfect in Christ.

3. Forgiveness. V:17c

Third, we see God's loving mercy as we are able to walk in forgiveness of our sins by the finished work of Christ (V:17c). When God forgives your sins He blots them out of His memory never to remember your sins again (Isaiah 43:25). We as Christians should practice the same when we say we forgive others, but bring up what we forgave and throw it back in their faces the next time they fall or when we argue. We need to keep in mind that we are not perfect and have shortcomings as well. When I have forgiveness from God I can live in perfect peace and do what God has for me to do for His kingdom with a clear conscience.

4. New Walk. V:17d

Fourth, when I have been blessed with a new walk and a new fresh start I can be available to work for God and honor God in all He has for me to do. God doesn't ask sinners to do His work or to support His kingdom, He leaves that for His own children who love Him and are faithful to Him. God uses broken vessels so the world can see His light shinning through our brokenness, showing the world His goodness, His righteousness, and His loving kindness. Have a bless week my friends and may God richly bless you.

1. Qualifiers. V:17a

2. Transformation. V:17b

3. Forgiveness. V:17c

4. New Walk. V:17d