01 - A New Creation In Christ

In Christ, we have been given a fresh identity, becoming a new creation. The former ways have passed, allowing us to welcome a life reborn. We've been elevated to a new status where our perception of ourselves and others in Christ transcends earthly standards.

This recognition brings us to a profound realization: God, our Maker and the architect of our new existence in Christ, sees us solely through the lens of His precious work of renewal. The perspectives we once held were grounded in worldly views, dictated by the norms of a life before encountering Christ—what seemed undeniably real to us. We found ourselves entangled in the world's pursuits, aiming for recognition and status, measuring ourselves against others, ensnared in judgment and self-condemnation.

Our gaze was fixated on our own ambitions, engaging in competition while concealing our vulnerabilities to avoid disdain or rejection. But in Christ, we have been liberated, shedding the constraints of worldly patterns. In this freedom, we are not rejected but accepted, empowered to undergo a transformation that exceeds our former self-image.

We emerge into the clarity of our true selves, discarding the misconceptions we once held about our identity, others, and God. Our quest is no longer for worldly accolades; we already occupy a place that surpasses such aspirations.

Armed with the shield of faith, we quench the adversary's fiery arrows—the lies, deceptions, and accusations of this world. Our faith is now firmly planted in the truth of our rebirth in God's image, characterized by genuine righteousness and sanctity. In this new faith, we vigilantly counter the falsehoods of our previous existence with the reality of our current standing.

Through the sacrifice of Christ, we were purified and made ready. The inner renewal and sanctification process have made us holy, enabling God, His Son, and the Holy Spirit to indwell within us.

Therefore, with a mindset rejuvenated by faith, we diligently uphold the truth of our transformed identity. Even when our circumstances seem to challenge God's declarations about us, we stand firm in faith, akin to Abraham's trust in God's promise fulfillment. We persist in deepening our faith and acknowledgment of God's nature and the identity He has graciously bestowed upon us.

Our lives were once deeply rooted in a tangible yet fleeting worldly existence. Now, we are called to break free and fully embrace the superior, everlasting spiritual reality. Our identity as reformed beings in Christ holds immeasurable value and significance, meriting our steadfast acceptance and celebration.