“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
One of the greatest evidences for the truth of Christianity is the testimony of changed lives. The Scriptures declare that God in the Person of the blessed Holy Spirit is able to regenerate those who come to Christ in faith (John 3:1-17; Titus 3:5). Those who receive Christ for salvation are not only forgiven, they are born again. This is as mysterious as it is wonderful; somehow these people retain their identities while nonetheless becoming something new and acceptable to God. Paul tried to express this wonderful reality in own life when he wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). The Scriptures are replete with examples of people whose new birth was reflected in their radically changed outward conduct. The despised tax-collector Matthew, for instance, was a different person after he entered into a love-trust relationship with Jesus; his whole life’s trajectory was changed forever (Matthew 9:8-10). The same could be said of Peter, who went from a fearful denier of Jesus (Matthew 26:69-74) to a courageous ambassador of Christ (Acts 4:1-20). One of the greatest examples of course is Paul, who went from vengeful persecutor of the church (Acts 9:1; Galatians 1:13) to the greatest theologian and missionary the church has ever known (2 Corinthians 11:23-12:7). One powerful example of Christ at work in the believer is the uncommon grace and forgiveness extended to others. In Acts 21:8-10, we read that Paul and his companions stayed at Philip the evangelist’s house for several days while on their way to Jerusalem. This is extraordinary because earlier, before Paul’s conversion, he had given approval to the violent murder of Stephen, Philip’s friend and colleague (Acts 6-7). Instead of holding a grudge against Paul, Philip welcomed him into his home and provided for his needs. This kind of uncommon grace and forgiveness speaks volumes to a world that is harsh, petty, fickle and unforgiving (John 13:35). May the world see this kind of undeniable evidence of Christ in us, today and every day, until the Lord comes to redeem His prized purchased possession (1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 cf Romans 8:23; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54). Maranatha! (Our Lord, come!)
God bless you dear saints,
Pastor John
English