THE OLD HAS GONE – THE NEW HAS COME

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

To “restore” means to take an old, broken, worn out or rusty object and refurbish it back to its original state and intended use. Praise God, redemption surpasses mere repair or refurbishment of the old; it is a totally New Creation from inside out. Truths about the New Life in Christ could apply to two sets of people. First, you may be in need of salvation. You may have never had the opportunity to invite and accept the Lord Jesus Christ into your life as Lord and Saviour. You must be born-again (Jh.3:3). If you already know Christ as Saviour; you are born again and living the Christian life, there may be an area of your life that you need to submit totally to God for renewal. Whatever the case may be, think on these three points:

Recognise your need for Restoration: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom.3:23). Take stock. Conduct a personal spiritual inventory. What areas of your life do not reflect the Christian faith? You must consider dropping these. What aspects could better depict the Christian faith? You must decide to add these. You’ll need to review your past involvements and engagements. You’ll need to rethink your current attitudes, activities, and actions; to ascertain to what extent they align with God’s Word and Will (Rom.12:2). Transforming your thinking and renewing your mind will lead you to definite decisions. These for example, may relate to your Bible reading habit, prayer life, fellowship, and daily devotions.

Repent and be reborn or renewed: “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool” (Isa.1:18). To repent is to have a change of mind that leads to a change in direction and action. “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2Cor.5:17) – “the old has gone, the new has come!” Receive the new Spirit that empowers you to put off the old self and take on the new man (Eph.4:22-23).

Redefine your New Life in Christ: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psa.51:10). The Holy Spirit could be speaking to you about different parts of your life that need readjustment: laziness, lack of patience, impure thought life, inconsistent values, anger, pride, stubbornness, selfishness, and greed. Respond and be renewed; do not rebel. Restring your life that it may release a new melody to the Lord. God is handing you a fresh canvas to repaint a new picture for your future. Seize the opportunity and see a glorious tomorrow unfold before you.