“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Human beings like new things. New Clothes, New Shoes, New house, New cars, New Gadgets, New baby etc. We get excited when we have them. As there are many new things in the World that human beings desire and appreciate, It is good to also note that God desires new things for man. He created a brand new world and handed it over to man. But out of all new things God may can give man, there is one best thing that can ever happen to man. It is the new life in Jesus Christ.
What does the new life entail? It is about right living. It is when one’s inner spirit has been brought into a new relationship with God through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. The seed of sin was sown in Genesis and man lost his cherished fellowship with God and became terribly corrupt. That actually marked the beginning of so many terrible seeds and works of Satan that corrupt man in the world. It was so bad that God exclaimed that he had regret creating man. But then, He didn’t leave us to continue on this path of destruction. He made a way out for man. He gave us His only begotten Son to bring us back to Himself, so that we might live right again.
It is expected of every Child of God to run his or her race in the new life with the consciousness of the struggle between the old nature and the new. The old nature exults self, while the new promotes Christ. The old nature entertains sin while the new abhors it. This is the exact message being passed across by Paul to the Corinthians and by extension to all Christians today. If Old things has indeed passed away, new things must spring forth as a result of the finished work of Christ. But because the world is full of temptations to return to the old lifestyle, we must be on guard.
Something great took place in the life of Naaman that could be likened to the experience expected of anyone who has been delivered of the burden and problems of the old nature of man. “So Naaman went down to the Jordan, dipped himself in it seven times, as Elisha had instructed, and he was completely cured. His flesh became firm and healthy like that of a child.” 2 Kings 5:14 GNT. Naaman experienced newness after he had dipped himself as instructed. Pride could have denied him of the great experience like many people today.
But thank God for godly servants around him. He surrendered and obeyed to the point of being buried and he rose as a brand new person. The result was simply awesome- newness and cleanliness like that of a new born baby.
Beloved, it is important that we are sure of our state as we continue our Journey in this world. And, It is either the old nature still controls us or we are under the government of new nature- A life of Spirit. There is no room to sit on the fence in this matter. Total surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ is the only requirement to operate under the government of the new nature. People of God, can people boldly testify about your deeds as that of a man or woman who is no longer under the control of Sin, self, satan and the world? Do not forget that under the new government, the attempt to be contaminated by the world goes on and on. This is why Apostle Peter tells us that we have to intentionally and consistently ARM ourselves with the mind of Christ which is God’s weapon for right living. He said “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16 NIV.
This is why Holiness is non-negotiable for us to be able to maintain out status in Christ Jesus. Another good news about the new life in Christ is that it comes with many other benefits. One of such is healing in different ways. As you approach the throne of grace and mercy today, healing virtues will flow to you in a great way. You and your entire household will enjoy every benefit from the throne of grace and Favour. You will never be a cast away in Jesus name.
Your brother, Vicar & Archdeacon