Introduction:
Human nature is to look for "new" things. We call January 1 as "New Year" though it is the same like other days of year. We are fascinated by "new" things like cellphones, house, new cars, new clothes and change in a routine. An idea of vacation is exciting because we expect "new" place and "new" experience.
The excitement of "new" things does not last long. Because "new" things become "old" soon. The external newness is temporary but how about the newness that begins with our hearts and minds?
1. Christ is our source of a new beginning:
Rev. 21:5-6- Christ said, "I am making everything new". He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.
God created the universe and He also created us. But sin entered the humans and corrupted God's plan for mankind.
In Christ, the restoration of that broken relationship was completed by His sacrificial death on the cross. The "displaced" man can be covered under God's replacement plan through Christ and His redemptive work on Christ.
By believing on His death in our place, we can be reconciled to God and receive a new image.
Galatians 5:15- External rituals (like circumcision) to be found acceptable in the sight of God do not benefit us. Only new creation in Christ is the only thing that can re-establish our relationship with Holy God. Problem of Pharisees was external religious (outside in) but Jesus told them that the transformation has to be from inside out.
Ephesians 2:10- We are created in Christ for good works.
2. A new creation requires total heart transplantation:
Ezekiel 36:26-27: God promises us to give us a new heart and new spirit.
Old heart: Heart stained with sin is a heart of stone. Hard heart is a closed heart for Christ.
Ephesians 2: 2- Old spirit is called a spirit of disobedience. It prevents us from obeying and committing to God.
New Heart: Heart of flesh, which is soft and tender, willing to be submitted to God.
New Spirit is the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit). When we invite Jesus in our lives the Holy Spirit comes to live in our hearts for ever. The Holy Spirit within us helps us to live a life of obedience to God's commandments. In our natural strength we can't obey His Word. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to love and obey God.
3. The Bible uses several terms for the new creation:
John 3: 3-New Birth
Titus 3:5- Regeneration
Ephesians 1:7- Redemption/ forgiveness of sins
4. In new creation the old self is replaced by a new self:
Colossians 3:1-11
Old self: The characteristics of old self are described in Colossians 3:5-9 and Ephesians 4:22
New Self: The characteristics of new self are described in Colossians 3:10-15 and Ephesians 4:24
Col. 3:10, II Cor. 3: 18
This new self is being renewed every moment. We are being transformed in the image of Christ day by day
5. What things become new in Christ?
John 1:12-13- We ae born in to the family of God and God becomes our Father
Ephesians 4:23- We receive new attitude towards God and fellow men
II Peter 1:4- Our evil desires are replaced with divine nature
Isaiah 40:31- We receive renewal of our strength.
Conclusion:
Are you a new creation in Christ?
Promises for those who are new creation:
Isaiah 43:19, Psalm 65:11
