7 New Things

~ A Christian Is New—Not Modified! ~

When a person becomes a Christian, all things become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Seven closely related factors which each Christian possesses are listed below.

A new mind about God / repentance ~ To become a Christian requires repenting of one’s sins. Repentance involves an abrupt change in thinking about sin and about God (Acts 20:21).

A new attitude toward God / conversion ~ Closely related to repentance, conversion is actually the result of genuine repentance (Matthew 18:3). The individual literally becomes new as he is born spiritually (John 3:3). Previously he was born physically—now born again this time spiritually—literally “born from above.”

A new status before God / justification ~ A Christian is justified. This means that justice has been accomplished—their sins have been paid for in full on the Cross (Romans 4:25). God has not dismissed their sins, rather the full price of their sins has been paid by Jesus Christ. Because of the Cross it is “just as if they had never sinned” in God’s eyes.

A new relationship before God / a son of God ~ The believer is now is part of the family of God (1 John 3:1). All creatures belong to God as a result of creation—those who have acknowledged God for who He is and what He says have been adopted into the family of God. As part of God’s family they are entitled to full rights and have a full inheritance (Galatians 4:7).

A new life from God / regeneration ~ A Christian has been regenerated (Titus 3:5). This is not a fixed-up old life but a new spiritual life which coexists with the natural life. “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:12-13) A key word in this verse is “know.” There is no uncertainty about the future for the Christian who understands the Word of God!

A new position before God / sanctification ~ The Christian has been sanctified, literally set apart, by God for a new and glorious life, ministry, and future home in heaven (Jude 1). The God who created the universe has set you apart for His glory!

A new place with God / glorification ~ While there is a sense of glory from the time of conversion (Romans 8:30), the ultimate glorification of the believer occurs in the future at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. At that time we shall be changed and shall be with God for eternity future.