Newness Of Life

Christianity offers something many people want, a second chance.  When one obeys the gospel the result is a new birth, or as Paul wrote the Romans, “newness of life” (Romans 6:4).  The Lord offers humanity the opportunity to start over.  What comes with this newness of life?

First, one receives a new life, spiritual life.  The sinful actions of the past are forgiven and forgotten, washed away by the blood of Jesus (Revelation 1:5). The shackles of sin are broken, no longer enslaving the newborn child of God and hanging the death sentence on him or her.

Second, one receives membership in a new family, the church.  This family provides a loving Father in heaven who cares for us.  He is always available to talk with about our cares, concerns, troubles, and joys of life.  Family members have an elder brother, Jesus, who understands what their lives are like.  He was fully human and experienced life as they did.  Therefore, He stands ready to offer aid in times of difficulty (Hebrews 2:18). This family also offers brothers and sisters who love and care for each other as the following words of Jesus describe:

Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life (Mark 10:29,30).

Third, one becomes a citizen in the kingdom of God.  This kingdom was prophesied of   in Isaiah 2, Micah 2, and Daniel 2.  John the Baptist and Jesus preached this kingdom was at hand.  The Colossians were a part of the kingdom (1:13) as was the apostle John and his readers (Revelation 1:9).  Citizenship in this kingdom brings the protection of the King from the powers of evil in the spiritual realm.

Let us all strive to reach out to those in need of new life.

 —Denny