New In Christ

Christ makes us new. The Apostle Paul explains that anyone who is in Christ, that is, in a restored relationship with Christ, is made into a new creation through Him. As new creations, we are transformed in perspective, purpose, and identity.

In perspective – We no longer see things as we used to see them. Specifically in relationships, we no longer see people from “the flesh.” In other words, we no longer see people from a purely human perspective, but are transformed to begin seeing people from God’s perspective. We even see Jesus in a new way as we begin a relationship with Him. He is no longer just a person we may have heard or known about, but becomes someone we know personally.

In purpose – In growing in a relationship with Jesus, our purpose becomes aligned with His purpose. The ministry of God to reconcile people to Himself becomes our ministry too. We desire for people to know what we know, and to experience a life that is like the one we enjoy with Christ.

In identity – We become known for the work that we do for Christ, and represent Christ to those who do not yet know Him. We become known by our relationship with Christ. We are affected by our relationship with Christ for the better. Who we are is intertwined with Who we know Christ is.

Being reconciled to God is the beginning of a life upgrade. The reconciliation we have with Christ is instant once we go to Him in earnest, but the transformation of becoming a new creation is something that develops as we continue in our relationship with God, engaging in His purpose, following His lead in the life we live with Him. God’s great desire was always that we would be reconciled to Him. He desired this so much that He gave His only Son to make it possible. But receiving salvation from God is just the beginning of God’s plan for us. Through reconciliation with Him, He changes us for the better, making us completely new.