2 Corinthians 5 v l7; THAT NEW CREATION: THEREFORE: Realisation.

The Apostle Paul in his writings to the Corinthians in chapter 5 had been telling his readers that they could all depart from this world, and be with Christ, rather than have an eternity in hell. And in verse 17, having given them enough proof, he comes out with that strong word THEREFORE. Paul is trying to encourage the Corinthians to strengthen their faith in God and to be real disciples of Jesus. Romans 6 vl6; Know you not that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey, whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness. Paul had all the evidence he needed to convince his readers. His story of his work for satan and his about turn and his new life in Christ is fully set out in Acts 9 vl-22. He had no hesitation in telling people how to become disciples of Christ, He had no trouble in writing this verse 17. IF ANY MAN BE IN CHRIST Reconciliation. The word IF implies a certain condition, Only if a person has turned away from his or her sinful state , sought forgiveness from God through Jesus and has accepted Christ as Saviour and Redeemer, can one be said to be in Christ. To be in Christ requires a genuine commitment to Him and to obey the word of God, trusting in Him for all things. We cannot become keen witnesses in something if we are apathetic about it. Let us believe Paul when he quotes verse 17. Proverbs 3 v5; Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. So, in Christ means that we have turned away from all those bad habits of the world that displease God, and turn to worship Him and to be members of His family and disciples of Jesus. Acts 4 vl2. Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. We have forgiveness of sins in Christ. 1 John 1 v9. If we confess our us our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us from all unrighteousness. The Holy Spirit dwells within us. 1 John 4 vl3; and hereby we know that we dwell in Him and He in us because He has given us of His Spirit , We will live with Christ and the Father. John 14 v23; If a man love Me he will keep My words, and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him and make our abode with him. We have healing in Christ Isaiah53 v5. With His stripes we are healed.. There are many things that we have and are in Jesus. HE IS A NEW CREATION. Transformation. Romans 12 v2; And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Not a new physical body but the Spirit of God within us to create in us a new attitude and a new thought life. Matthew 11 v34-35; 0 generation of vipers, how can you being evil, speak good things for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. A new creation, a new nature, a transformed mind. The old evil life of the-world gives way to a new sanctified, justified life in Christ. I John 3 v 1a.. Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. Galatians 5 vl; Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage Our great desire should be to make something worthwhile of our new Christian life that God may be glorified. We are loved by God, redeemed by Jesus and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. ALL THINGS ARE PASSED AWAY: Separation. As we accept Jesus Christ as Saviour and Redeemer, we are sanctified, set apart for His service. Ephesians 4 v25-31; We have faith in God that all our old sins have been forgiven and that we have been strengthened to fight off future temptations. Ephesians 5 vl; Be ye therefore followers of God as dear children.

2 Corinthians 6 vl6-17; And what agreement has the temple of God with idols, for you are the temple of the living God As God has said I will dwell in them and walk in them and I will be their God and they shall be My people. Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you. How good it is to know that all past sins have been forgiven and we can now with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit, make progress in our new Christian life in Jesus. Search me 0 God and know My heart today, Try me 0 Lord and know my thoughts I pray And see if there be any wicked way in me Cleanse me from every sin and set me free. BEHOLD ALL THINGS ARE BECOME NEW. Jubilation. Now we have a new kind of life to enjoy and as we put our trust in God and experience the joys and blessings of knowing Jesus, this new life will become more meaningful day by day. 2 Corinthians 6 vl8; And will be a Father unto you and you shall be My sons and daughters says the Lord Almighty. Formerly afar off and destined for an eternity in hell. -Ephesians 2 vl3; But now in Christ Jesus, you who were sometimes ...afar off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Job was expecting something new to happen to his life. Job 19-25-27; For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. Whom I shall see for myself and mine eyes shall behold and not another though my eyes be consumed within me. Who would want to exchange this new life for the old one of serving satan ? From sinners to saints. Revelation 1 v6; And has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father, to whom be glory and dominion for ever and ever. With the realisation that being in Christ brings reconciliation with God and a transformation in our lives, there should come an honest desire to separate ourselves from that which displeases God. Then comes the jubilation and joy as we surrender to Him and serve Him gladly. Let us become disciples in Christ, then all things will indeed become new. IN CHRIST.: Access to God, John 14 v6; I am the way, the truth and the light, no man cometh unto the father but by Me. Access into God's family. Galatians 4 v5; To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Sins forgiven. Psalm.103 v3-4; Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies. Salvation Acts 16 v3l. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved . Eternal life. John 10 v28; And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish. I John 5 vl3 Indwelt by the Holy-Spirit. John 14 vl6; And I will pray the Father and He shall give you another comforter, that He may abide with you for ever. The fruit of the Spirit given to us. Galatians 5 v22-23;