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NEW
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Surely this verse speaks of the believer in Christ being a new spiritual creation. It should be obvious. We don’t have to enter into our mother’s womb to be born a second time, as Nicodemus imagined at first (John 3:4). Though we are saved by God’s grace, we still get sick, we grow old, we still suffer the aches and pains of life, and eventually, we will die; because of the corruptions still remaining in mortal flesh. Moreover, the apostle has already told us that he is speaking in spiritual terms, “for we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7). Because of salvation from Christ, we have a new heart and new spirit (Ezek 36:26), spiritually speaking. As such, we have heavenly attitudes and Christ-exalting perspectives. Furthermore, the Greek grammar for this newness which has come presents an ongoing, continuing condition. It rather amplifies the increasing glory of our progressive sanctification (2 Cor 3:18), as we considered in our devotional for September 14th. Yet, today, let us consider what it is to be in Christ. Because the Lord Jesus, crucified, risen, and ascended to heaven, is infinitely glorious, every meditation of Him is a newness each time we reflect and consider. In Christ, we are refreshed like the morning grass lightly dewed. In Christ, we are awakened with the warmth and blessed illumination of an eastern sunrise. In Christ, the gentle, breezy kiss of the Holy Spirit strengthens our labors. In Christ, we enjoy peace that surpasses understanding like the rest and comfort from a red and gold western horizon at the setting of the sun. Oh, what a wonder it is to be in Christ. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
A new creation Christ has made
In each of His dear ones;
By grace through faith we have been sav’d
In God’s most holy Son.
Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)
9/16 Reading Portions: 2 Samuel 12; 2 Corinthians 5; Ezekiel 19; Psalm 64-65
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