If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Think of your last new pair of shoes. After you put them on, did you immediately throw out all of your other pairs of shoes? Probably not. Most likely, you just added them to your already substantial collection. Today many people like to include “knowing Jesus” as just another element in their assortment of spiritual practices, but, unlike having a pair of shoes for every occasion, when you are in a genuine relationship with Christ, there is no need for other options.
When you accepted Christ and His payment for your sin, the barrier between you and your Creator was torn down. No longer dependent on your own grit and determination, you have discovered His strength to be sufficient, overcoming every challenge. Through Christ you have found abundant forgiveness, not only enough for yourself but plenty to offer to others, even those who have deeply hurt you. Living under the reign of Christ has brough you into a healing circle of fellowship shared with other believers. While you may have just as many difficulties as your unbelieving neighbors, you find a blessed peace that brings comfort when least expected. Over time, you have come to understand that whatever happens next is in the plan of your loving Savior and He refines both your pain and your laughter into a genuine joy. After living life in Christ, you know there is no other you would rather have.
Pray today for those in offices of leadership and influence across America to join you in fully embracing faith and life in Jesus Christ, humbly acknowledging they need no other.
Today’s Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Galatians 2:16-20
16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
