A NEW LIFE IN CHRIST

2Corinthians 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’.

As Christians, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ shows us the greatest love that God has shown to mankind. No wonder ‘the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God’ (1Corinthian 1:18). Through His death and resurrection, man can have salvation and restoration of God’s love and plan for his life- whether Jew or Gentile, rich or poor, free or bond, male or female, Ghanaian or foreigner. This salvation is there for you.

 Free Salvation

This salvation has been made very simple that all who want it can get it- no credit card, no money, no sacrifice, no signature or thumbprint. Just believe in Jesus Christ; confess your sins sincerely and you have it. Pronto! Because scripture says in:

John 3:16: ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life’

Rev.3:20: ‘Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.’

Old self

2Corin.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’ confirms that if ‘any man’ receives Christ as his savior:

• Christ comes into his life (Rev. 3:20)
• All your sins are forgiven
• You become a child of God (Jn 1:12)
• You received life and a new relationship for which God created you.
• Old things are passed away.

When Christ comes into your life, the old self of sin should give way. The old self of Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, evil, envy, covetousness, idolatry, disrespect, strife, drunkenness, blasphemy, stealing, etc (see Gal. 5:19-21/ Col. 3). If we say we have risen with Christ, we should let go the old self for the new life in Christ.

New life

2Corin.5:17 says that ‘Therefore if any man be in Christ….., all things are become new’. If we sincerely and faithfully accept Christ as the Lord of our life, we should no longer live that old selfish life of sin but a new life as these:

• Love, joy, patience, gentleness, goodness, temperance, boldness, good communicating, forgiveness (as Christ forgave you), charity, you bear the image of Christ; your life testifies about Christ because you have been born again in Christ.

Also ‘all things become new’ in Christ as these:

•  no cheating but hard work, attitude, marriage, relationships, way of doing things testifies Christ unlike before. Hallelujah!

Can you think of anything more worthy than this?

How can we sustain this new life in Christ

In the midst of persecutions and hardship, enduring the new life in Christ has become very critical. Our enemy, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. We can and should sustain this new life through:

• Abiding in the Lord always 
• Trusting God for every detail of our lives
• Pray and fast without ceasing
• Endure hardships as discipline
• Study and be obedient to the word of God
• Not grieving the Holy Spirit; let your body be holy for Him to stay in you.
• Fellowship with true bible-believers
• Witness in words and with your life for Christ.

 Conclusion

• Brethren, In Christ we have a new life that is meaningful and satisfying; which no man can give you.
• Let us persevere and endure in this new life because there will be greater reward for us soon (Rev. 21:7-8).
• Let us live as people who have seen Christ, tasted Christ and have put on the new life in Christ. That whatsoever thing we do shall glorify God.
• Don’t forget Heb. 10:26kjv.    Amen!