The Old and The New

Old and New

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“For in Christ Jesus, neither Circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; it is being a new creature that is important.” Galatians 6:15

If we believe in Jesus Christ and the value of His death, we can look into the mirror and say with confidence: “I am a new person.” But God makes us into new people for a specific purpose: - “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be destroyed; that from now on, we should not serve sin.” (Romans 6:6) And Paul tells us in Colossians that this “newness” must reflect the image of God. Paul also says that practicing behaviors such as anger, malice, blasphemy, filthy talk, covetousness, evil desires, fornication and idolatry, dishonesty, lying, evil speaking, having an unforgiving spirit etc. should not be characteristics of a Christian. (Colossians 3:5-8)

Peter too advises us in his second Epistle that we should express certain qualities in our new lives: - virtue, knowledge of God through His Word, self-control, patience, Godliness, kindness, Christ-like love, etc. (Chapter1:5-7) He also warns us that we should never forget “that we have been purged from old sins.” If we forget this, we are sure to revert to old behavior and “grieve the holy Spirit of God.” (Ephesians 4:30)

Let us all make every effort to walk “as dear children” (Ephesians 5:1) created by God “in righteousness and true holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24)

Al Jones