The Reality of Being a New Creation in Christ

God wants us to know that we can become something new by being reborn of the Holy Spirit. Yes, even on this side of heaven. It’s something to press forward towards and receive. It’s your “upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). It’s about living the new life of the Spirit. “And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man” (1 Corinthians 15:49).

RELEVANCE

In union with Jesus Christ we are predisposed to being transformed “to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). It’s ours to appropriate. Truly, Jesus Christ was resurrected. Therefore, His resurrection life is ours for the receiving! We’ve been delivered from the power of darkness. So, it’s up to us to resist those powers and allow the greater power of the Holy Spirit to work within us—for our good and His glory. Paul and James spoke much on the subject.

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:13-16).

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:7-8).

Ouch! I think one of the toughest words to hear is being “double-minded.” I’ve been convicted of it many times. The Holy Spirit often uses the word ambivalence– having conflicting feelings or uncertainty, doubt. It’s a good thing to come to resolution on issues and settle matters with God. It takes allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and convict you of believing in falsehood so you can come into alignment with God’s reality.

REFLECT AND RELATE

Divide a sheet in two halves. Make a list on one side of things the LORD shows you are characteristics of His nature. See Matthew 5:3-10, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 and Galatians 5:22-26 in making the list. Then list the things the Holy Spirit reveals to you about your own character. Ask God to help you grow into Christ’s nature. He won’t condemn you. He will empower you with GRACE to GROW into His nature.

REFERENCES

Matthew 5:3-10, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 and Galatians 5:22-26