Who Makes Us New? – Robert Schaetzle
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old is passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)
When Paul wrote about the ‘new creation’ we are in Jesus Christ, he was describing the beginning of a lifelong journey of growing and learning; of wearing Christ’s identity — our new ‘clothing’, and representing His name, of spending time with our Teacher who ‘makes all things new’. Seeing this transformation may take some time. Life experiences will teach us to ‘let go and let God', as the saying goes. None of us are where we were when we first started our journey with Jesus. But we can say; “Thank You Lord,” as He goes before us transforming our lives day by day.
It starts with a faith that pleases God. Many of us are familiar with biblical definitions of faith given to us in the Word of God, such as, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” “And without faith it is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:1 and 6 ESV)
It’s through this faith we hear our Lord ‘knocking’ at the door of our hearts, inviting us to follow Him on the narrow path, and through this faith we share His truth with wisdom, discerning what it means. His Word teaches us without faith (which is the gift of God) it really is impossible to please him – but with faith we can possess and share the way of escape from a disillusioned world of hate, fear, and contention. This walk of faith is the Lord’s doing, not ours, for it is “…Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit” says the Lord.of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6 ESV)
Father, it is not in our reasoning and power, but in faith given us each new day. Open our understanding to your Word, to recognize Who makes us new.
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