Growing in Christ
In a letter to one of the New Testament churches, the Apostle Paul gives this description of personal transformation: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Such radical change brings both great risk and great reward. New life is fragile, whether a plant, an animal or a person. Each must be nurtured to maturity. The greatest risk to a person who is newly born spiritually is to simply forge ahead without intentionally adjusting to what God has done in his or her life.
Great reward awaits our pursuit and patience. If you have made this decision, safeguard your new life by taking time to pause and reflect. Consider how you are being equipped by our loving God, who, in the words of the Apostle Peter, “has given us everything required for life and godliness.” (2 Peter 1:3) We have been redeemed at a price we cannot fathom, the precious blood of Jesus Christ. As “new creations,” we are no longer aliens. Fellowship that was fractured has been restored. We have come into our inheritance.
To help us on our journey, God gave us his Word, the Old and New Testaments, truth distilled to the finest detail. He sent us his Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, to infill us, to be our companion and our guide. He will lead us into reliable friendships where we can receive teaching and good fellowship. Steadily, we discover God’s overwhelming love for us and his desire that we walk together with him in close fellowship.
The goal, now, is to grow and to grow and to grow in Christ. Lifelong! It is to take full advantage of our newly restored relationship. Yes, there may be habits and associations that we want to shed, but with proper focus these will naturally adjust. We will be so consumed with our love for God, his Word and his people, that those things that have pulled us down will lose their allure.
So breathe deeply. Experience the joy of being a new creation. Wonder with amazement at God’s provision. Enjoy your new life as it emerges. You’ve begun the greatest adventure one can possibly imagine. You’ve been born anew. Life, real life awaits.
Conclusion
The Bible is a wonderous revelation of God’s nature and grand design. Its message begins in a garden and traverses a life-giving path, informing and blessing all who venture on it. Those who heed its abiding truths emerge as sturdy pilgrims who have been redeemed. God’s kingdom is their new dwelling place—their “native land.” The universal theme of redemption has become personal. They know their Lord and he knows them.
The more we understand God, the more we will honor him, love him and want to walk with him. Here is a description of the God we serve by Charles Spurgeon, a great preacher from the nineteenth century:
“We must meditate on God’s attributes, and consider his majesty, for he is not only infinitely powerful, wise, all sufficient, and glorious, but he is also supremely good. His character is matchless. He is a pure and holy God whom we worship. It would and should be the greatest pleasure to serve him. The angels will tell you this. It is total bliss to do his will.”
Challenge and forcefully reject every impression of God that isn’t worthy of his matchless name and impeccable character. Shower him with your deepest love and gratitude. Refocus on the things that really matter. Fall in love with Jesus and dwell in his love for you. Nurture that priceless relationship which is beyond human comprehension!
Return to the garden! It is your true inheritance, now and into eternity.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!”
(2 Corinthians 5:17)
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