Conversion: Making All Things Possible

When God Transforms Us, He Makes All Things New

The clearest statement in the New Testament about how God transforms us is 2 Corinthians 5:17:  "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

But what about a human being becoming a "new creation" in Christ?  How does that work?  If you take a snapshot of a person immediately before he places his faith in Christ as Savior and Lord, and a picture right after his conversion to Christ...the two pictures look identical.  We don't lose our wrinkles, extra pounds, or crooked smile for all to see.  But there is no question we have been turned into (converted; transformed) something new.  In fact, Jesus called it being "born again" (John 3:3; see also Romans 6:4 and Galatians 6:15) --definitely something brand new.

First of all, we get a new description.  We are "the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24).  When God sees us as a new creation in Christ Jesus, He sees us as righteous (cleansed of sin) and holy (set apart for Him) --just like Jesus.  Indeed, He sees us like He sees Christ.  That newness doesn't show up in earthly photographs, but it shows up in God's sight.

Second, we get a new disposition.  When we place our faith in Christ and become a new creation, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us (Acts 2:38).  When that happens, new character traits begin to manifest:  "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control --when Paul calls "the fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23).  Yes, some of those traits might have been in our life before, but here's what's new:  before, they were not manifistations of the indwelling Christ.  Now, they are (Galatians 2:20).

Third, we get new desires.  Paul says when we are saved by grace it means we have been "created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them"  (Ephesians 2:10).  Good deeds done for the glory of God are a new thing for the glory of God are a new thing for those who are new creations in Christ.

Finally, we get a new destination.  Before becoming a new creation in Christ we were desired for a Christless eternity.  But we have been turned around (converted), headed in a brand new direction:  eternity in the New Jerusalem, dwelling in God's new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1-4).

Your Benefits Package by Dr David Jeremiah