16 So then from now on we acknowledge no one from an outward human point of view. Even though we have known Christ from such a human point of view, now we do not know him in that way any longer. 17 So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away —look, what is new has come! 18 And all these things are from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ and who has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Sam Wee

Even though I've been a Christian for more than half of my life now, there are still so many times that I don't feel like I have truly “died to myself.” I struggle daily with sin and selfishness; I do what I want to do and don't do what God wants me to do. I suspect that many of you also might feel like this at times.

However, this feeling does not reflect God's truth about His saved people at all. Yes, we will always be in a lifelong battle with sin, but thanks be to God that He, through Christ, reconciled us to Himself and made us new creations! Notice how there are no caveats or exclusions here from Paul. If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. If you have put your faith in God and believe that Christ died and rose again, you are a new creation – the old has gone and the new has come. Even when you don’t feel like it’s true, God’s word guarantees that it really is.

Brothers and sisters, take heart in this truth when Satan lies to you and tells you that you are not truly God's because you are not without sin. Know that God has indeed reconciled you through Christ and then do your best, with His Spirit’s help, to die to yourself every day and live for Him.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sam is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.