FORGIVEN AND MADE NEW - THAT'S THE PROMISE OF JESUS.

by A Mac

 

FORGIVEN AND MADE NEW - THAT'S THE PROMISE OF JESUS. Forgiven and made new - that's the promise of Jesus. Read this post to understand how God's love provides the way to become your best self.

 

This Bible verse, found in 2 Corinthians 5:17, speaks about the transformative power of being in a relationship with Jesus Christ. It states that when a person becomes a believer and follower of Christ, they are changed and renewed spiritually. Their old ways and sins are forgiven, and they are given a new life and identity in Christ. This verse encourages believers to leave behind their past mistakes and embrace the new life that God has planned for them.

Those who are "in Christ" are those who have faith in Him, credited with Christ's righteous life, and their sin forgiven by Christ's death in their place. Such people are new creatures. Those "in Christ" have become something they were not before. Their identity has changed from being the fallen version of themselves to being associated with the righteousness of Christ. That's who they are now.

Anyone who believes in Jesus Christ becomes a new person spiritually. Old sins and mistakes are forgiven and replaced with a fresh start and a transformed life; therefore you must put behind past mistakes and embrace the new life God has planned for you.

How do we Leave behind past mistakes and embrace the new life God has planned for us?

Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Acknowledge your mistakes: Recognize and accept the mistakes you made in the past. Acknowledge that you are not perfect and have made errors.
  1. Repent and ask for forgiveness: Confess your sins to God, ask for forgiveness, and seek reconciliation with anyone you may have harmed.
  1. Let go of guilt and shame: Trust in God's forgiveness and remind yourself that you are a new creation in Christ. Release any guilt or shame you may still be carrying.
  1. Renew your mind: Replace negative thoughts and self-criticism with God's truth. Spend time reading the Bible and meditating on verses that remind you of God's love, forgiveness, and plan for your life.
  1. Surround yourself with support: Seek out a community of believers who can support you on your journey and hold you accountable. Share your struggles and victories with others who can encourage and pray for you.
  1. Set new goals and habits: Take intentional steps to align your actions and choices with God's will for your life. Set goals for personal growth, spiritual development, and serving others.
  1. Trust in God's timing and plan: Remember that God has a specific purpose and plan for your life. Trust in His timing and guidance as you seek to live out the new life he has prepared for you.

Start by focusing on these steps and relying on God's grace and strength, you can leave behind your past mistakes and embrace the new life that God has planned for you.

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of individuals who experienced this new life in Christ. One such example is the apostle Paul himself, who was transformed from a persecutor of Christians to a passionate follower of Christ after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-22). This radical transformation is a testament to the power of God to change hearts and lives.

Instead of looking at each person as a mere human being, we must view those who are in Christ as something entirely different. Those who are "in Christ" are those who have faith in Him, credited with Christ's righteous life, and their sin forgiven by Christ's death in their place. Such people are new creatures. Those "in Christ" have become something they were not before. Their identity has changed from being the fallen version of themselves to being associated with the righteousness of Christ. That's who they are now.

It is important to note that this transformation is not something that can be achieved through human effort alone. It is a work of God's grace, which is freely given to those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior (Ephesians 2:8-9). This new life in Christ is characterized by a growing relationship with God, a desire to live in obedience to His Word, and a love for others that reflects the love of Christ (John 13:34-35).

As we seek to live out this new life in Christ, we are called to put off the old self, with its sinful desires and attitudes, and to put on the new self, which is created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24). This process of sanctification is a lifelong journey, in which we are continually being transformed by the renewing of our minds through the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:2).

It is important to remember that this transformation is not a one-time event but a daily process of dying to self and living for Christ (Luke 9:23). As we walk in obedience to God's Word and rely on His strength, we will experience the fullness of life that He has promised to those who are in Christ (John 10:10).

Back to COMPELLING TRUTHS & RESOURCES