Out with the old…in with the new!

Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:16-20)

I was baptized at the end of April 2002, during a blizzard. Thankfully, the ceremony was INSIDE the church! Earlier that morning I was singing a gospel song to the congregation about how God is the One to go to when the winds of sadness blow all around you. (And in the back of the church I could see the snow violently gushing sideways.)

I wasn’t a new believer at the time. I was a renewed believer.

My most beloved friends John and Diane gave me a gift on that day. It was a suncatcher that read:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

(What an appropriate thing to give a person who is publically declaring to be in Christ from this point forward!)

And on that day, I was really craving to be a new creation. When I was a wee girl, I had such faith in the Lord. (Tip: When you see that unshakable faith of a child, do encourage it, because it really can move mountains.) I truly believed and truly wanted to be close to Him in every way.

But things were very difficult as I was growing up, and the challenges were overwhelming. However, I managed to survive even the worst of it by clinging onto this one little piece of wreckage: my child-like faith.

I wish I could say that was enough and all was happily ever after, but the truth is that my foundation of faith had not been fed, and even though at the core, I believed, I was not spiritually armed for battles that I faced as a young woman.

For the sake of family and friends, I cannot go into the things I did, but those memories are enough to keep me humble for the rest of my life. But let me make one thing clear—I feel humbled, but not ashamed . Why? Because I now understand that Jesus’ death and resurrection happened to not only take my sin away, but the guilt, too. God’s intention is for me to be a brand new person, who’s soul is being shaped in His image.

Our John used to say that we are like houses being constructed. The framework is up, and maybe some of the rooms are complete, but then in others, there are only beams; they still need to be built. That thought comforted me, because it helped me understand why I can see how the Lord has renovated me in some areas, but in others, I still need work. The house will eventually be completed, but in the Contractor’s time, and according to His plan.

And it’s according to His plan—not yours!

Paul says at one time we were “of the flesh”, meaning that we indulged in our own desires and views, regardless of any moral teachings. Then, we were introduced to Christ, and maybe because we resisted, or were just ignorant, not all of our perceptions of Him were bang on. But now, as we accept and believe, we know Him in a different way, according to His Spirit, which is the true and correct way.

Look at verses 18 and 19:

Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

What I find interesting is that there is a process of healing and renewal in verses 16-19. It’s like this:

1. We are self-indulgent and see people—even Christ—through worldly views, and not of the Spirit.
2. God calls us to Him and we start to learn about Christ.
3. We believe Christ and think about Him in the way He truly is, as we become new.
4. We are given a ministry of forgiveness because of how He forgave us.

And if we are to look to Paul’s example, that is, how Christ rebuilt him, then there is a another step (see verse 20):

5. We become ambassadors for Christ, strongly encouraging each other to be reconciled to God.

The beautiful thing about God is that every time He gives us something, it’s for the purpose of sharing with others. We are not new creations so we can bask in it. We are not even new creations solely for the purpose of saying how great God is. Yes, we must praise Jesus with gratitude for the mercy He has shown us, but remember:

We are new creations so we can (1) tell others about what the Lord has done in us, and (2) urge them also to seek reconciliation with God.

We are new creations so we can show all people the love He has shown us.

You are not just a pretty building. You are a open house. Welcome the Lord and other people into your lives, and serve them with joy and thanksgiving.

If anyone is in Christ, then the old things—the things that weigh you down, have no benefit to you soul, or have separated you from God—have passed. They died when Christ died. Now that He is risen, He’s taking you with Him, and by believing, you have been reborn into a new person.

You might think you still look like you, sound like you, and you can recognize your core personality traits, but your soul is completely being remodelled. And others close to you will see Christ in you, hear His voice when you speak, and recognize how His traits are reflected in you.

And you will know peace where there previously hadn’t been any peace.

So, for my wee part: my brothers and sisters, with all of my heart I urge you to be reconciled to God. Let Him rebuild you and together may you build a relationship that will bring you His love and joy, which are boundless. All you have to do is seek Him, and He’ll be right there.

In fact, He’s been waiting for you all this time.

Just believe.