2 Corinthians 5:14-17
God has completely transformed you into someone entirely new, giving you a full life in Christ.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
“I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10b)
Living in your new identity is not automatic. God doesn’t instantly change your behavior or erase all your wrong thoughts. But He is available to help you change.
“For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him, and then helping you do what he wants.” (Philippians 2:13, Living Bible)
With God’s help, you can discard old messages you received from your past and embrace the truths of your new identity. As you do this with the help of His Holy Spirit, God will continue to transform you. Then your thoughts and behavior will reflect the new life He has given you.
For instance:
~ You no longer have to believe or live like you are rejected, unloved, or shameful. You are God’s treasured possession. (Deuteronomy 7:6)
~ Nothing in all creation can separate you from God’s love. (Romans 8:35-39)
~ You no longer have to believe or live like you are guilty, unprotected, alone or abandoned. You are forgiven and free from God’s condemnation. (Romans 8:1-2)
~ You will never be alone. God’s Holy Spirit lives in you. (1 Corinthians 3:16)
~ You no longer have to believe or live like you are worthless, inadequate, helpless, or hopeless. You can do all that God has planned for you. He lives in you and will enable you. (Philippians 2:13 and 4:13)
~ You have been given all you need to live the life God created you to live. (2 Peter 1:3)
You may be thinking, “How can I discard wrong messages from my past and embrace my new identity? I’m not even sure how to identify wrong messages. Even if I do, I have no idea how to discard them.”
The best place to start is to ask God to reveal where you have believed something that doesn’t agree with Him. Your new life is based on a relationship with Jesus. He wants you to come to him for help. Take a close look, with God’s help, at attitudes and beliefs that are driving your behavior. You don’t have to stay stuck in your old ways—you are a New Creation!
Sharon Chapman
EFCC Member