A New Creation

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (NIV)

God can turn your life around – a full 180 degrees.

Let’s break down the verse I quoted above. First of all, it starts out with the word “therefore.” Whenever you see a “therefore” in the Bible, look to see what it’s there for.  Paul, the writer of this letter to the people in Corinth, had previously been discussing how we should be completely committed to Jesus and to His work. Paul says we should no longer live for ourselves but for Jesus because of Jesus’ sacrifice. Now that we know what was being discussed just before this verse, let’s move on. The next part of the verse says “…if anyone is in Christ…”- this refers to those who have taken Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The verse finishes by saying, “…he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

A new creation? Yup.

When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and really start focusing on His will and His work, He will change you. The old you will disappear, and the new you (in Jesus) will begin to grow and mature. Notice how the verse says, “if anyone is in Christ”. Anyone can put their faith in Jesus and live for Him. Anyone can become a new creation. No matter what your past is, no matter where you are in life, no matter what situation you’re dealing with, God can turn your life around. He can wash your slate clean. He can make you brand new. In Isaiah, God says, “Come now, let us reason together. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like snow.” (Isaiah 1:18 NIV)

God wants to turn your life around. He wants to give you a new life in Him, if only you will take Jesus as your Lord and Savior; if you surrender your life to God and say, “God, take control of my life, because I can’t. Make me a new creation.” Let His Spirit fill you and begin a great work in you. Let yourself become a construction site. The old you will be torn down and the new you will be constructed. But the thing about becoming a new creation is the work in you will never be completed in this life. We will only become complete when we get to heaven. But we will continually become more and more complete (becoming more and more like how God wants us) as we mature in our faith in Jesus; as we do our best to obey God’s plan and will for our lives; as we work to glorify Jesus’ name and tell others about His love, sacrifice, and grace, and, finally, as we strive to become more and more like Jesus.

I challenge you to look at your life and realize how much better it could be if God were involved – if you were to let God in. He can and will turn your life around. Take Jesus as your Lord and Savior and see what He can do. Focus on His plan and on His work. Fully commit yourself to Him, and He will make you a new creation. He will give you a thirst for Him, as well as a new mindset – one focused on furthering His kingdom.

He will make you brand new.

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (NIV)

Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (NIV)

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)