"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation." 2 Corinthians 5:17
God's promise to make a new creation out of a sin-loving person holds for everyone, even though he or she may be the most loathsome sinner. There is not one of us who deserves any such consideration from God. Yet Jesus declares there is hope and promise for everyone of us.
The same Lord who could forgive Aaron for molding an idolatrous golden calf; the same Lord who could forgive David his adultery and murder; the same Lord who could forgive Peter after he cursed and denied Him; the same Lord who says through Paul: "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation" offers the promise of a new life to everyone who believes in Christ as his or her Savior. All the old weaknesses, the old habits, the old sins -- all these can pass out of our lives if we are in Christ.
What does "in Christ" mean? It is the opposite of living outside of Him, against Him. It means to be united with Him in faith. It means to believe in Him who was crucified for us and who freed us from the eternal punishment of our sins. It means to renounce the devil and to be ready to serve Jesus only as our King. And one glorious day, to be in Christ will mean to be in heaven.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, make of us new creations by Your love and forgiving mercy, for we trust only in You. Amen.
(Taken from "Words of Promise," copyright 1996 (out of print), Concordia Publishing House. For information on other devotional materials, call 1-800-325-3040.)
Today's Bible Readings: Isaiah 14-16 Ephesians 3
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