A New Man
Today’s Verse:
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. ~2 Corinthians 5:17
One of the great wonders of creation is when a caterpillar emerges out of a cocoon as a beautiful butterfly. This wonderful occurrence is referred to as a metamorphosis. The caterpillar has taken on a completely new nature when it becomes a butterfly. This morning, we are considering a verse of Scripture that describes the miracle of salvation in the life of a once-condemned sinner. Let us see what happens when you are in Christ.
We see a total possession.
When a sinner accepts the Lord Jesus Christ by faith as Savior, he is born into the family of God. He is in Christ. He belongs to Jesus, and Jesus belongs to him. No longer is he a child of the devil, a child of darkness, and one who is condemned. He has been placed into a secure and unchanging relationship as a son of God (Eph.1:5). Being in Christ means that we have been accepted in the beloved (Eph. 1:6). Being in Christ means that we have complete forgiveness of our sins through the blood of Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:7). Being in Christ means that we have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, Who is also the earnest of our inheritance (Eph. 1:13-14). Being in Christ means that we cannot lose the gift of salvation. “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son hath not life,” 1 John 5:12.
We see a transformational process.
“He is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” A miraculous transformation occurs at the moment of salvation. Old things are passed away. We have passed from death to life. We have gone from being condemned to being blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. The “old things” refer to the darkness of our past: it is forgiven and passed away. The “old things” of sinful, bad habits that controlled us are now under the control and power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Instead of being a hateful person, every sinner has the ability to love as God loves. Instead of being a taker, we are filled with a desire to give. Instead of chasing the world and its vanity, there is a desire to seek first the kingdom of God and all of its righteousness. There is a change in desires. When Lazarus was raised from the dead, Jesus commanded him to come forth. He received newness of life. He no longer made his abode in the tomb. The stinky grave clothes came off, and he received new garments. The transformational process is just like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. Everyone that knew you as a sinner should be able to see that you are a new person in Jesus!
We see a triumphant priority.
Notice, all things are become new! First, we have a new Lord. When you get saved, you are no longer bound as a captive to sin. With Jesus as Lord, He is preeminent and foremost in our lives. We are in submission to Him. We live to please Him. We have a new direction. We are heavenly-minded instead of being earthly-minded. The old life would wake up and ask, “Lord, is it morning?” The new life wakes up and says, “Good morning, Lord!” What are the new things? We can come to God as our Heavenly Father in prayer at all times of the day. God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Church attendance is part of our weekly routine. We desire to fellowship more with godly Christians, instead of hanging out all the time with our old, unsaved friends. We delight to do the will of God. We have a desire to share the good news of the gospel with others who are not saved. We enjoy sitting under the preaching of God’s Word. We walk by faith and not by sight. Life is about Jesus, and not about us.
A new man is not someone who has undergone cosmetic surgery, dramatic weight loss, or a new hobby. A new man is someone who has accepted Jesus Christ as Savior, and is living under the power of the Holy Spirit. Stop living in the defeat of the past, and begin to thrive in the power of a Christ-filled life!
Have a Christ-honoring God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 46-50