“ Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” Colossians 3:9-10

Recently in our small group the topic of Christ making us a new creation came up. (2 Corinthians 5:17). After the discussion, it dawned on me that many of us may not have a clear understanding of what it means.
Some of the men believed that following the Christian faith is just about improving one self. Others that one day we will all be spiritual beings in heaven. And then others elaborated it only means our position with God has changed. There were other comments, but these we most emphasized.
So now I have the opportunity to summarize the matter with greater clarity.
Yes, all the above comments are a byproduct of being a new creation. But the core of a new creation is what Jesus did and is now doing and what HE will do in the future.
Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven transformed the human race. God became man so man could become eternal sharing life with the Triune God. Jesus redeemed humanity. Humanity through Adam and Eve divorced God. Jesus restored humanity’s relationship with God. Humanity now has direct access to the Creator through Jesus Christ. Humanity was made in the image of God to represent HIM on this planet. Now under the new creation, humanity is better able to reflect what it means to be fully human.
When one surrenders to Jesus and HIS Kingdom, their human spirit is joined with the Holy Spirit. God begins to live HIS life in you and me. The more you lean on the Triune God, the more HIS Spirit influences your soul. Your emotions, mind, and willpower begin to align with God’s character. Yet, there is still a constant internal battle being fought. Our carnal nature still wants to rebel against God’s goodness. So, the soul is now being bombarded from the pulls and desires of the old-self along with God’s goodness. The old-self and the new-self are at war with each other.
But as we focus on growing in Godly knowledge, we learn to live a grace-paced life. We are nurturing the new-self. As we pray, fellowship, and worship God, we allow the Holy Spirit to have HIS way with us.
This is what baptism pictures. When Divinity died in the flesh and was resurrected, we also died with Jesus. One day we will also be resurrected with HIM. When we surrendered to Jesus, we put to death the old-self. We are then allowing God to put HIS Spirit in us as a deposit for the new-self. Life then focuses on becoming more like Jesus. Allowing HIS Spirit to influence us. Allowing HIS character to rub off on us. HE allows us to join HIS macro-purpose. He joins us in our micro-purposes. We begin to share life together. We learn to live life together.
The new creation is mankind’s human potential. To become partakers in God’s family. Life’s journey is an adventure and battle between the old-self and the new-self. The quicker we deny and surrender the old-self, the quicker we will enjoy the riches of the new-self. It does not happen overnight. For many of us, it may take our entire life to totally surrender our idols and strongholds. Yet, God’s grace and mercy supersede whatever challenges and obstacles we face. This is the adventure God has given us to pursue. To prepare us for eternity with HIM.
The sooner you realize you are a new creation in Christ, your focus changes. And as the old adage states, life becomes what you focus on.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)
Aspirations and Writings Neatly Bound in Book Formats:
* indicates audio version available at Apple Books
- Power Up With Jesus Book Series- Aspirations for a Grace-Paced Life *
- The Adventurous Journey of Transformation in Christ *
- Overflowing Prayers Rooted in Jesus Christ v1 & v2
- Dancing With God: A Life-Giving Worldview *
- Great Business Emulates a Good God
- Stay Free…Avoid Worldly Traps
- Simply The Messenger
- Unequally Married
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