Pastor Welton Watson, Central Baptist Church
2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Salvation is one of the greatest experiences that can be embraced. Paul, in this passage talks about the difference that is made in the life of the person who takes Christ as his own savior. It is a new beginning, a new start, a new life that stars the very minute of salvation. Jesus calls it being born again while talking to Nicodemus the religious ruler in John 3:3, 7 “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 7. Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again.” Another word we use for being born again is, “saved.” Many times during testimony services we hear people say, “I want to thank the Lord for saving me.” In soul winning conversations I often ask someone if they have ever been saved, and, depending on their answer I move the conversation toward the goal of leading that person to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, or, encourage them to a renewal of their walk with Christ.
Paul said “if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” This means that a definite and obvious change has taken place in one’s life concerning his attitude, his habits, and his actions. He is not the same as he was before. The change is very noticeable to all those who know him closely. The scripture goes on to say, “old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new.” I fear for those who profess to know Christ and yet, there has been no change of direction, seems to be no joy, and no love for the word and work of God. At the point of salvation, there is a new love for the Bible, a new love for the Church, a new love for other Christians, a new desire for righteousness, and a burden for the souls of unbelievers. There are many different ways to describe this new life. It is called “being in Christ,” and Paul says it is “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” He also calls it “the mystery of godliness” because godliness is a mystery. It can only come from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Concerning this mystery, Jesus said in John 3:8 “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is everyone that is born of the Spirit.” Finally in conclusion, we hear Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5:21 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” When we trust Christ, he forgives our sin and imparts to us his righteousness, and God sees us righteous through Christ. In Christ, you can have a new life, and a new start for a new year. Happy New Year!