12/19/2020
We read scriptural references regarding our becoming a new person once we have accepted Jesus as our savior, and many of us think that this simply means we aren’t to sin anymore, but it is much more than that. Our transformation as Christians becomes complete, just like our love for God... we are to be transformed heart, soul, body, and mind. Every facet of our being is to become new, and our old self and life not just modified in some way, but put to death... it shouldn’t exist any longer. What was once ME having become what is now CHRIST.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
So we ask... “Where does this new person come from because I really don’t think I understand it fully, nor do I believe that I am able to accomplish this on my own?” We say: “I understand that God wants me to be Christlike, but I am really struggling against sin every day so how can I possibly become this new person we are discussing when I am barely holding onto the righteous life I am living now?” Well friends, just like we have divine help in combating sin, we also have substantial divine help in becoming transformed. This isn’t something we resolve to do on our own... it is the plan, and will of God for us.
“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.”
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 ESV
Alright, so God is helping me, but What does it really mean that I should put off my old self and accomplish the transformation that He desires of me, and how can I possibly do that? We read scripture that really challenges us, and it sounds like this is beyond our ability... and in many ways it is, but, but our transformation is a partnership between God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, heavenly host, and ourselves. We can’t do this, and aren’t meant to do this, alone. Just as we can’t be righteous, holy, or sanctified by ourselves, we likewise can’t be transformed completely by our own efforts.
Several years ago I worked for an aerospace company and we made the center beam and fuel tank for the space shuttle. Other companies made different parts, designed structures, oversaw the manufacture, and performed many many other tasks related to making that amazing craft and putting it into space. No one company could do this alone, and although North American Rockwell was the principle player, every other contractor, no matter how small, played a crucial role. Together we accomplished a seemingly impossible task and the space shuttle became a reality... and flew mission after mission into space. This is similar to how we are transformed into new creations... God is the principle player, but Jesus, the Holy Spirit, countless angels, and yes even we, are working together to make us fly as a new person... Christlike, Godlike.
“But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:20-24 ESV
So when we read scripture that sound incredibly difficult, and beyond our ability, we should lean on God for direction, the Holy Spirit for understanding, Angels for strength, and Jesus to be our template, and example. Here is an example... What did we feel when we first heard Jesus tell us to hate our families, and ourselves? We were at once put off by those words, and it wasn’t until we came to understand His meaning that we could fully include this in our transformation into the new man we were becoming.
““If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.”
Luke 14:26 ESV
So, we are to be transformed, and this comes from God. We are to be transformed into beings that are Godlike, and Christlike. We are to understand what this means from the Holy Spirit, and we are to be shown what this new creation looks like by examining Jesus, His life, and His Gospel. Today we shouldn’t be doubting our ability to become new creations, but resolving ourselves to work with God, all of heaven, and every divine creation, to achieve this transformation... are we prepared to do this? Do we see now that it isn’t impossible?
“But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.””
Matthew 19:26 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for calling each of us who are in Christ to become new creations. Thank you Lord for making this possible through your help, and the help of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the support of every heavenly creation. Help us Father to see that we are indeed capable of this change, regeneration, and transformation, if we would lean on you and all the support, and helpmates, you have provided us. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who made us in your image, and who is now reconciling us through your Son to reclaim that blessing once more. We praise your name Father for every lesson we are taught that reveals you more in us. We worship you Lord for your love, goodness, wisdom, and the patience you exhibit as you rework what sin has damaged and destroyed in us. You are merciful , and full of grace Lord, and we cling to your greatest mercy as we follow your Son Jesus... carrying our own crosses. Wash us in His blood Father, and forgive our every sin so that when we stand before you in judgement we stand as new creations... righteous, holy, pleasing, and acceptable in your eyes.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 ESV
Rich Forbes