Introduction
Before the new, there was old. However, the old was not in Christ, as there is no old life in Christ. The old life therefore must definitely be in Satan. But a man can experience a new life in Christ, such person must have first experienced salvation of his soul. What then is salvation? Salvation is freedom from sin which leads to a change of life as a result of repentance and faith in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Such person enjoys forgiveness of sins which now reconciles him with God. Ephesians 4;24.
What transpired before the new life
Even though the thought of God towards man at creation was the thought of peace and not evil, however, Adam, the first creature, changed the course of the human race by falling into sin. Satan succeeded in making Adam to believe the following about God;-
a. that God is a liar. Ever since, man's life has been characterized with lusts of his father , Satan , since he is the father of all lies. Man abides not in truth because there is no truth in him. Gen 2: 17; 3:4, John 8:44; 1 John 3:8
b. that God was deceitful and does not have the love of His creatures at heart. Deceit has been the nature of man ever since. Hosea 12:7, Jeremiah 9:6,8.
c. that God is unfair by not giving them that which was their ultimate good. James 4:3; Proverbs 1:28-29.
d. Satan blasphemed God . He spoke irreverently about God and painted God in bad light. Ezekiel 36;20; Romans 2:24.
e. Man has a natural selfish and lustful will. Luke 12:17-20.
f. Jealousy characterizes the nature of a man . Genesis 4: 3-8.
g. Man exhibits unforgiving spirit and often seeks retaliation. Matthew 6;12;18:23-34.
Characteristics of a new life
New birth is a spiritual experience that transforms you from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God. it is also the receiving of God's life and righteousness.Therefore, new life in Christ means a true follower of Christ , that is united to Him by faith and that truly derives grace and strength from Him, as the branch does from the vine.
The following are the characteristics of a new life;
a. He is by regeneration made a new man 2 Corinthians 5:17
b. All the faculties of his soul are renewed. Romans 12:1-2
c. The old life is reformed. Ezekiel 11:19.
d. Controlled by the Spirit of God. Romans 8:9
e. Living and working by faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 5:6; 2 Corinthians 5:7.
f. Absolute dependence on God. John 15: 2-4
g. Thirsty and hungry for the word of God. Matthew 5:6
h. Willingness to fellowship with God and brethren. Psalm 133;1
i. Zealous for the work of God . John 2;17;Galatians 4;18.
j. Desire to live a righteous life and shun worldliness. Genesis 39:6-9; 1 John 2: 15,29.
Finally, it is expected that a new life in Christ will transform believers into the real image of God which is characterized by purity, holiness and righteousness. Ephesians 4:24.
Contributor: Sunday School department of the The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Plateau state.
Before the new, there was old. However, the old was not in Christ, as there is no old life in Christ. The old life therefore must definitely be in Satan. But a man can experience a new life in Christ, such person must have first experienced salvation of his soul. What then is salvation? Salvation is freedom from sin which leads to a change of life as a result of repentance and faith in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Such person enjoys forgiveness of sins which now reconciles him with God. Ephesians 4;24.
What transpired before the new life
Even though the thought of God towards man at creation was the thought of peace and not evil, however, Adam, the first creature, changed the course of the human race by falling into sin. Satan succeeded in making Adam to believe the following about God;-
a. that God is a liar. Ever since, man's life has been characterized with lusts of his father , Satan , since he is the father of all lies. Man abides not in truth because there is no truth in him. Gen 2: 17; 3:4, John 8:44; 1 John 3:8
b. that God was deceitful and does not have the love of His creatures at heart. Deceit has been the nature of man ever since. Hosea 12:7, Jeremiah 9:6,8.
c. that God is unfair by not giving them that which was their ultimate good. James 4:3; Proverbs 1:28-29.
e. Man has a natural selfish and lustful will. Luke 12:17-20.
f. Jealousy characterizes the nature of a man . Genesis 4: 3-8.
g. Man exhibits unforgiving spirit and often seeks retaliation. Matthew 6;12;18:23-34.
New birth is a spiritual experience that transforms you from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God. it is also the receiving of God's life and righteousness.Therefore, new life in Christ means a true follower of Christ , that is united to Him by faith and that truly derives grace and strength from Him, as the branch does from the vine.
The following are the characteristics of a new life;
a. He is by regeneration made a new man 2 Corinthians 5:17
b. All the faculties of his soul are renewed. Romans 12:1-2
c. The old life is reformed. Ezekiel 11:19.
d. Controlled by the Spirit of God. Romans 8:9
e. Living and working by faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 5:6; 2 Corinthians 5:7.
f. Absolute dependence on God. John 15: 2-4
g. Thirsty and hungry for the word of God. Matthew 5:6
h. Willingness to fellowship with God and brethren. Psalm 133;1
i. Zealous for the work of God . John 2;17;Galatians 4;18.
j. Desire to live a righteous life and shun worldliness. Genesis 39:6-9; 1 John 2: 15,29.
Finally, it is expected that a new life in Christ will transform believers into the real image of God which is characterized by purity, holiness and righteousness. Ephesians 4:24.
Contributor: Sunday School department of the The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Plateau state.
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