New Life in Christ
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone and the new has come.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
Christian by Name
Today, you often heard people saying they are Christians. But if you ask them why, they say they are Christians- because they go to a Christian church, they have parents that are Christians or went to a Christian school.
Christian by Thought.
Some say they are Christians because they believe in the bible, in Jesus. They believe in the golden rule of “10 Commandments” They believe in praying and pray at least once before they go to sleep (they thanked God for everything, ask forgiveness in general and ask for blessing)
Christian by Acts of Kindness
Some say they are Christian because they believe in doing good deeds for others in need (giving money, visiting charities, and other help). These are things that define a religion. If you only have these then you and a billion others who believe in religions do likewise. Today Christianity has been reduced to these. It is simply one of a belief system that follows certain practices that will be deemed good individuals and their neighbors. So as all the other religions. It’s nothing unique or special. We just happen to be born into a Christian family, environment. Christianity and all the other religions are the same. I’m just better of being a Christian. I prefer this religion. This is what I called Christianity by Preference. By preference what we are saying all religions are inherently good (including Christianity). Is Christianity merely a religion, a preference? Is it really the same with all the others? If not how is it different?
Christianity is a Calling
It all begins with how we understand God. We believe that God has called us. God called and we responded. We are made part of Christ. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a now creation.” The author emphasizes “If anyone is in Christ” it means those who have been made to be part of Christ. This is important to know that our Christianity is not simply a matter of our choice but a matter of God calling us unto Him. This is not simply a mere association (I go to a Christian school or my family is Christian or I attend a Christian service) You are a Christian because God has called you and put you there. In verse 18 it says: “Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” God took the initiative and brought you and me to Christ. We are Christians because we are called and made to be in Christ.
Christianity is an Identity
An Identity is a means to describe who you are. Our Identity stems from our personality. But as a Christian, I can say I am not only Anthony Techico. But I’m a Christian whose name is Anthony Techico. My new identity takes precedence. I’m a Christian first before I am me.
What that means is all that ‘I am’ should be in accordance to my new identity in Christ. This is what the bible said “I have been crucified in Christ and I no longer live. But Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loves me and gave Himself to me.” Galatians 2:20 It’s no longer just a thought. It’s our identity. We adapt to the new self.
My new identity takes precedence. I’m a Christian first before I am me. What that means is all that ‘I am’ should be in accordance to my new identity in Christ.
Christianity is a Command
Jesus modeled the example of obedience for us. Jesus provided the means for us and Jesus guaranteed the way for us. “the old has gone the new has come.” What has gone and what has come? The old is the sinful nature (The sinful nature is the source of all our sins). We are at war and how can our new nature win? We have to let go of the OLD. So the NEW can come and bear the fruit of change in our lives. This is the command of God for us all who are identified in Christ and are called in Christ.
