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
We give the students who graduate High School Bibles at our church during a ceremony on the first Sunday in June. That is not uncommon but one thing that we do a little different is “pre”mark them with some important scriptures that will guide them through this next part of their journey. As I was highlighting this verse from 2 Corinthians the Holy Spirit would not let me go.
If we are in Christ we are a NEW CREATION. What does that really mean? Well to be in Christ is that movement from you to him. From the influence of the world to the influence of Jesus. This is what we know of/think of as the Salvation experience. When we are saved, when we have that conversion experience what is life like next? The word says we are a New Creation. The words there literally means a NEW, not improved but brand spanking new. Only God can create like that. The God of Creation is the God of Salvation. The God that saves you, changes you.
Have you changed? What is new in your life? A common saying of my mom’s when we used to have pity parties in my house would be “God don’t make no junk!” Grammar aside, the theology is sound. God creates…perfectly. The enemy distorts and destroys perfectly. As believers we have fallen under the authority of God. We are created once again…perfectly.
How we view the world should change. How we view humanity should change. How we view sin and sinners should change.
I don’t want to encourage you to doubt your salvation unless this post makes you realize you have never changed to anything close to the likeness of Jesus. If it has then I am glad that I encouraged you to doubt.
The salvation experience is much like a chrysalis morphing into a butterfly. From the struggle of the cocoon comes a new creation. It has the same personality, DNA and drive but is now different. It is now changed in its purpose and in its perspective. It’s purpose was once simply surviving, gorging and finding somewhere to rest. The purpose of the butterfly is to soar, to explore and to provide beauty. The perspective of the caterpillar was limited, low and lack luster but the perspective of the butterfly was high and limitless.
I encourage everyone to take a moment and examine your heart. Has it changed? Have you changed? It’s not too late.
Dear Jesus.
Thank you for loving me. Thank you for creation. I am fallen, my life is lacking without you. I surrender my life to your will and ask you to create in me a clean heart. Make me a new creation. I live for you, in Jesus name. Amen
Sean Rheaume 