A Brand New You!

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

When you asked Jesus to come and live in your heart, something extraordinary happened. The Bible declares that you became a new person—a brand new creation. Your past no longer defines you. The old life has passed away, and everything is being made new.

You once lived in sin, but now you are a saint through Jesus Christ. You were once far from God, even an enemy of His (Romans 5:10), but now you are His beloved child (John 1:12). You were destined for separation from God, but now you have the promise of eternal life with Him in Heaven—all because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross.

You might wonder: “How did I change? I don’t look different.” That’s true—you still have the same body. But spiritually, you’ve been born again. Something deep within you has changed. As Jesus said:

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. V 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
John 3:3,6

You now feel alive as never before. It’s as though chains have been broken off your heart. That’s the transforming power of salvation.

You didn’t earn this change. You didn’t work for it. It was a gift.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Ephesians 2:8–9

Before Christ, you were spiritually dead.
“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” Ephesians 2:1

Now that you’ve been made alive in Christ, the next step is to learn to live this new life. The Word of God is your guide. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

God’s Word teaches us to put off the old self and put on the new: “But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.” Colossians 3:8–10

And again:
“That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt… and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:22–24

You’re on a journey of transformation. Titus 2:11–12 says, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” Every believer has much to learn. That’s why it is essential to read the Bible daily. Whether it’s in the morning, evening, or during a quiet time—make it a priority.
“As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” 1 dPeter 2:2

At times, reading God’s Word may show you areas of your life that need change. Don’t be discouraged. You’re not alone. The Holy Spirit is working in you.
“For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13

Prayer is vital. Jesus gave us a model to follow:
“In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
Matthew 6:9–13

You are now feeding on new spiritual food—the Word of God. The things you used to watch or listen to may have been spiritual junk food, but now you’re learning to nourish your soul with truth.
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
Matthew 4:4

As you pray and read the Bible daily, you will begin to succeed and grow strong in your walk with Christ. God will prosper your path.
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly…
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season…
And whatever he does shall prosper.”
Psalm 1:1–3

Be patient with yourself. Transformation takes time. But know this: you are already new in Christ. As you continue to walk with Him, the changes on the inside will begin to show on the outside.
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

So keep reading, keep praying, keep growing. And before long, others will begin to see the difference—and rejoice in the brand new you!

Kay Alli