Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Well, another year has flown by with all its hopes and dreams, fulfilled or not, and a new year has begun. Newness usually leads to a positive outlook, like turning over a new leaf, which anyone with a conscience readily admits they should do for their own good and the basis for New Year’s resolutions.
The Bible says there’s nothing new under the sun, but the opportunity for a new life isn’t new and it’s not under the sun, anyway, because God planned it before he created the sun and Jesus said that anyone following the plan wouldn’t be of this world, although, we’re in it (Ephesians 1:3-10; John 17:13-16; 18:36-37; Philippians 3:20-4:1; Colossians 1:13-14; 1 Peter 1:3-9).
The great theme of the Bible isn’t just about avoiding punishment; more importantly, it’s about the refreshing reward of eternal life God’s plan promises (Romans 3:23; 6: 23, 3-7; John 3:16-17; Acts 3:19).
This new life in the kingdom of heaven comes by being in Christ Jesus as a new creature — reborn in the image of God, which begins when we’re united with Christ (John 3:3-5; Titus 3:3-8; Ephesians 5:25-27). [Always check the Scriptures to verify what’s spoken or written as if from God (Acts 17:11; 1 Peter 4:11; 2 John 1:7-11).]
Our new life in Christ — salvation from eternal death because of sin unto eternal life with God — begins with our baptism into Christ for forgiveness of our past sins, at which time we also receive Christ’s indwelling spirit who gives us the new life that will be evident by our new lifestyle (2 Corinthians 5:16-18; Acts 2:38-39; Galatians 3:26-4:7; 5:16-25; Romans 8:9-17; Colossians 2:9-3:17; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13).
Besides forgiveness, which is ongoing for Christians who live as citizens of the heavenly kingdom, and the indwelling of the Spirit of Christ, we’re blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ, with some added daily (1 John 1:5-9; Lamentations 3:21-24). First, because we’re adopted by God, we’re given a new name, generally accepted to be that of “Christian,” because others recognize that our new life matches Jesus’ life and teachings (Isaiah 62:2; Acts 11:26; 10:34-28; Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:11-12).
Second, God gives us a new song that praises him because of all the blessings we receive and causes others to put their trust in him as well (Psalm 40:3; Hebrews 13:15-16; Acts 5:20). And third, we get to experience the new heavens and new earth when Jesus returns and the present heavens and earth are destroyed (2 Peter 3:8-13; Revelation 21:1-5).
Until Jesus makes all things new, Christians have two responsibilities in our new life he’s provided: Forget our past, including whatever sins we’ve committed because even God does that, and look forward to the eternal future by faithfully serving God as long as we live (Philippians 3:12-16; Revelation 2:10; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 10:1-39).
Have you begun the process of being renewed in the image of Christ? If not, turn over that new leaf now for your own good!
Leonard Lauriault is a member of the Church of Christ in Logan who writes about faith for the Quay County Sun. Contact him at [email protected].