Transformed by Eternal Truth
Today, we embark on a transformative journey through three powerful passages: 2 Corinthians 5:17, Psalm 121:7-8, and John 14:1-3.
These verses encapsulate eternal truths that have the potential to radically transform our lives.
Join me as we explore the profound implications of being a new creation in Christ, experiencing the unchanging protection of the Lord, and embracing an eternal perspective that transcends our earthly journey.
Point 1: The Reality of Transformation
In 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT), The Apostle Paul declares, "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"
The Greek word for "new" (kainos) implies a radical transformation, not just a renovation.
Belonging to Christ initiates a complete metamorphosis, a spiritual rebirth. In Christ, we are not merely reformed; we are entirely new creations.
Ephesians 4:22-24 (NLT) commands us - "Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy."
Belonging to Christ not only transforms our nature but also redefines our identity. The old life, marked by sin and brokenness, is replaced by a new identity grounded in righteousness. This truth empowers us to live in the freedom and victory that Christ provides.
Galatians 2:20 (NLT) - "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Friend, if you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, then you have a new identity in Christ – you are defined by the fact that you are now a person who is beloved by God. This is your new self – your true self.
Romans 6:4 (NLT) - "For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives."
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the ongoing nature of this transformation, stating, "Christianity is not a one-time experience but a daily experience."
The transformative truth in Christ isn't just a one-time event; it's a continuous journey. The call to walk in the newness of life involves an ongoing partnership with the Holy Spirit, allowing His guidance to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.
As you contemplate the truth of 2 Corinthians 5:17), "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" let it resonate deeply within your heart.
We are not bound by our past; we are new creations in Christ. May this truth empower us to embrace our identity, walk in the newness of life, and live as testimonies to the transformative power of God's truth.
Point 2: Guided by Eternal Truth
Psalm 121:7-8 (NLT) "The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever."
In a world filled with uncertainties, these verses offer solace and a profound understanding of the transformative power of eternal truth in our lives.
The term "keeps you from all harm" signifies not just physical protection but a safeguarding of our lives.
The phrase "watches over your life" emphasises God's intimate involvement in every aspect of our existence.
The assurance of divine protection is grounded in the unchanging nature of our Lord.
Proverbs 2:8 (NLT) - "He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him."
This eternal truth provides solace and a profound understanding of God's transformative power.
Our Lord's watchful presence isn't confined to specific moments but extends to our entire journey—past, present, and future.
Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT) - "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you."
A.W. Tozer offers insight, "God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which he must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves."
Let’s return to Psalm 121:7-8 (NLT) "The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever."
There is a repetition here which emphasises the eternal nature of God's faithfulness. "Both now and forever" conveys the timeless assurance that God's watchful care is not subject to change or limitation. In every season of life, His faithfulness remains unwavering.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT) - "The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning."
The author and Missionary Elisabeth Elliot encourages us with theses words, "The will of God is not something you add to your life. It’s a course you choose. You either line yourself up with the Son of God...or you capitulate to the principle which governs the rest of the world."
As you reflect on Psalm 121:7-8, may you find comfort in the unchanging protection of the Lord, draw strength from His constant presence in your journeys, and anchor your faith in the eternal assurance of God's faithfulness.
Point 3: Embracing an Eternal Perspective
John 14:1-3 (NLT) "Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?"
Here Jesus is addressing the disciples' troubled hearts, urging them to trust.
The assurance of a heavenly home is grounded in the faithfulness of God.
The term "Father's home" conveys intimacy and security, assuring us that our ultimate destination is in the presence of the Father.
Jesus assures us of a heavenly home, declaring Himself as the exclusive way to the Father.
In John 14:6 (NLT): Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."
Jesus presents a foundational truth: He is the exclusive way to the Father.
The triad of "the way, the truth, and the life" encompasses the complete journey of salvation.
This declaration challenges us to anchor our lives in the unchanging truth found in Christ alone.
Acts 4:12 (NLT) states - "There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved."
This eternal perspective challenges us to anchor our lives in the unchanging truth found in Christ alone.
As we anticipate His return, our lives should reflect preparedness and constant trust in the One who is the way, the truth, and the life.
In John 14:3 (NLT): Jesus said, "When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am."
Jesus assures us of His return, underscoring the importance of preparedness.
The phrase "I will come and get you" resonates with the personal nature of our Saviour. Our lives should be marked by anticipation and readiness for the glorious moment when we will be forever with Him.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NLT) - "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air."
Revelation 21:4 (NLT) - "He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever."
A.W. Tozer inspires reflection, "While it looks like things are out of control, behind the scenes there is a God who hasn't surrendered His authority."
John 14:1-3 (NLT) "Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?"
As we ponder the transformative truths in John 14:1-3, let us find solace in the assurance of our heavenly home, anchor our lives in the exclusive truth of Christ, and live in constant preparedness for His imminent return.
In Conclusion:
As we contemplate these transformative truths from 2 Corinthians 5:17, Psalm 121:7-8, and John 14:1-3, let them resonate deeply within our hearts.
We are new creations in Christ, under the unchanging protection of the Lord, and anchored in an eternal perspective.
May these eternal truths empower us to embrace our identity, live with unwavering trust, and anticipate the glorious return of our Saviour.
Let me give you a Call to Action:
Friend, let us live our lives with the confidence that comes from being new creations in Christ.
Embrace the unchanging protection of the Lord and anchor your perspective in the eternal truths of His Word.
Share these transformative truths with others, inviting them into the joy and hope found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
