This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! – 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT
What does it really mean to become a new creation? When a person hears the Good News of Jesus and accepts His finished work on the cross, that person is made spiritually new. That’s what it’s like to be born again. Through Christ’s power, He transforms our minds, bodies and spirits to look more like Him with every passing day. A genuine change in our hearts enables us to begin living a life of knowing and loving Christ.
How do we know if our commitment is real and genuine? We will bear fruit. Here are five signs that God is turning you into a new creation.
1. You will desire to know God intimately. The Bible instructs us to intimately abide in the Vine, who is Christ, who leads us into abundant and eternal life. Once you accept Jesus, you’ll be hungry for more of Him. (John 15:1-4, Romans 6:23)
2. You will begin to understand your new identity. Jesus reveals that we have a relationship built on grace, and that means He loves us, accepts us, forgives us, and recognizes us as His own, just as we are. (Ephesians 1:3-11)
3. You will recognize the Bible is essential for growth. The Bible is your lifeline as a Christ follower. Scripture is filled with countless reminders of how God will supply all your needs. (Philippians 4:19)
4. You will look for ways to love and serve others. God will cultivate His love in our lives. Jesus says, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples.” (John 13:35) Loving God and loving people are the basic foundations of a new creation life.
5. You will find the strength to resist sin and temptation. We are not expected to be perfect, because we are still sinful creatures. The Bible says, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Romans 3:23). However, the Holy Spirit gives us new desires, power, and strength. You have power in Christ that can help you overcome any sin or temptation. (Philippians 4:13)
Remember, transformation is a lifelong process. But also, be mindful that you are not who you once were. God is making you new!
Dig Deeper
1. What areas of your life can be strengthened by understanding that you are a new creation in Christ today?
2. In which of the five areas above have you seen God at work?
