Day 4: A New Creation

Scriptural Nuggets Daily Devotion

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

When you see a “therefore” in Scripture, it signifies that a statement follows, which takes the previous verses to the next level.  The first class conditional clause “if” could be translated “since”, which makes the sentence that follows an guaranteed result when meeting the conditions laid out.

Paul established in the previous verses the following:

1. Vs 13 – Since the world considers us crazy for chasing after God, know that the intended result of that “insanity” benefits the church.
2. Vs 14,15 – Christ’s love compels us to live for Christ alone and not ourselves
3. Vs 16 – We don’t care what the world says about us, we must remain in Christ

Verse 17 flows out of a deep heart for Christ that desires to abide in Christ, living for Christ and denying ourselves and the world.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. – Matthew 16:24-25

Paul says that since we exist in Christ, that old rotten flesh is dead, and we should now bury it.  Christ brings new robes of gladness, joy, salvation and life. Stop putting on the old habits and old ways.

Part of the salvation experience reveals itself in a changed heart.  Christ comes in and replaces your dead heart with a heart that yearns for Him.

The idea of “taking up your cross” means that you must make a death march.  The cross signifies death, not some burden to bare.  You must die to self so that Christ can live through you.  Stop living for Christ in your own strength.

The only course of action that produces in you a reflection of Christ comes in the form of denial of yourself.  God is more concerned about your character than your comfort. Ironically, your discomfort brings a greater release of the power of God in your life because only in your weakness can Christ be strongest (2 Corinthians 12:10).