You Are a New Creation in Christ

A street preacher visited our church a few years ago.  He had a powerful story of conversion and grace.  His parents and siblings were atheists and drug addicts.  So was he.  But, he heard the Word that he was a sinner separated from God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ that His blood atoned for our sins.  God’s power converted him to faith and freed him from addiction.

One of the songs he wrote quotes 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”  This speaks of God’s transforming power to make saints out of sinners.

What does it mean to be a new creation?  God forgives your sins.  He adopts you into His family through your baptism with Christ.  He gives you the Holy Spirit with His spiritual gifts that your life may have eternal meaning and purpose through giving glory to Christ by your good deeds.  He promises you heaven and riches of an eternal inheritance.  He takes you into the very body of Christ.  Just as He has died to sin and risen to new life, you have died to sin and risen with him.  One day, God will give you a heavenly body that will live forever.  It will never get sick, die, sin, or shed tears of anguish.

Martin Luther aptly said, “On the Last Day He [the Holy Spirit] will raise me and all the dead and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ.  This is most certainly true.”

Meditate on God’s promise: You Are a New Creation in Christ.  Amen.

Raymond Van Buskirk, Pastor, Redeemer Lutheran Church

Baytown, Texas          www.rlcbaytown.org                 6/14/2009