As Christians, we are called to live as new creations in Christ, but what does that mean exactly? In order to fully understand what it means to live as a new creation, we must first understand the differences between the old man and the new man, as well as the differences between the Law and the Gospel.
According to the Bible, a person who has been born again and is a child of God consists of two men: the old man and the new man.
The old man is like a mighty giant, while the new man is like a little child. The old man is physically born, while the new man’s birth is not yet complete until the day of his general resurrection.
The Battle of Two Natures: Why the Old Man is Stronger than the New Man
When it comes to physical, the old man is stronger, lustier, and more stirring than the new man because his birth is complete, while the new man’s birth has just begun.
The nature of the old man is contrary to the nature of the new man, being earthly and corrupt with Satan’s seed, while the nature of the new man is heavenly and blessed with the celestial seed of God.
As a result, one person is an old man when they are corrupt with the seed of the serpent and a new man when they are blessed with the seed of God from above.
The Eternal Conflict: Battling Between God’s Seed and Satan’s Seed
While one person can be both just and sinful, they are just in respect to God’s seed and their regeneration, but sinful in respect to Satan’s seed and their first birth.
There is a continual conflict and war most deadly between these two men, with the flesh and the old man fighting against the Spirit and new man, and the Spirit and new man fighting against the flesh and old man.
The old man, by reason of his physical birth, often prevails against the new man, which is like a child in comparison.
Sometimes even the children of God themselves think that they are nothing but old, and that the Spirit and seed of God is lost and gone away.
However, the truth is that the Spirit and seed of God will appear again, dispelling the clouds that cover the Sun of God’s seed from shining.
Overcoming Blindness and Corrupt Affections to See God’s Seed in His Children
Our blindness and corrupt affections often shadow the sight of God’s seed in God’s children, making it appear as though they are plain reprobates.
This causes them to pray according to their sense, but not according to truth, desiring God to give them again His Spirit as though they had lost it, and He had taken it away.
However, God never takes away His Spirit from His children, although He may make us think so for a time. He always holds His hand under His children in their falls, so that they do not lie still as others who are not regenerate.
The elect, who are regenerate and chosen before all time in Christ, do not lie still continually in their sin as the wicked do. They eventually return to God because of His seed, which is planted in them, and His hand holding them up. This is the difference between God’s children and the wicked castaways.
The Law and the Gospel are also important to understand in relation to the old and new man. The Law reveals our sin and condemns us, but it cannot save us.
On the other hand, the Gospel brings us the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It is only through the Gospel that we can be reconciled to God and receive the gift of eternal life.
This is because Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law by living a perfect life and dying on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. Through His death and resurrection, we have been made new in Him.
The Gospel, on the other hand, reveals Christ and His righteousness, which is imputed to us through faith. The Law shows us our need for a Savior, while the Gospel shows us that the Savior has come.
Embracing Your New Creation: Living in Holiness and Spirituality
Living as a new creation means putting off the old man and putting on the new man, which is created in righteousness and true holiness. It means crucifying the flesh with its passions and desires and walking in the Spirit.
This transformation process involves a conscious decision to turn away from our old sinful ways and embrace a life of righteousness and holiness. It requires us to constantly strive to align our thoughts, words, and actions with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Crucifying the flesh with its passions and desires involves denying ourselves and surrendering to the will of God. It means overcoming our selfish desires and submitting to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. By walking in the Spirit, we allow God to work in and through us, enabling us to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
We are called to be holy as God is holy, to walk in love as Christ loved us, and to be filled with the Spirit of God.
Living as a new creation also means seeking to renew our minds daily through the study and meditation of God’s Word. As we fill our minds with truth and wisdom, we are able to discern what is good and pleasing to God and resist the lies and deceptions of the world.
Moreover, living as a new creation means living a life of purpose and meaning, not just for ourselves but for the glory of God and the benefit of others.
We are called to use our gifts, talents, and resources to serve and bless others, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to make a positive impact in the world around us.
Living as a new creation is not always easy or comfortable. We will face trials, temptations, and opposition from the world and the enemy. But we can take comfort in knowing that we have a Savior who has overcome the world, and who has promised to be with us always.
We can also draw strength and encouragement from the fellowship of other believers who are walking the same path of faith and obedience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, living as a new creation is a lifelong journey of growth, transformation, and service. It requires us to continually submit our hearts and minds to God, to cultivate a lifestyle of holiness and love, and to seek to make a difference in the world around us.
But the rewards of this journey are immeasurable, as we experience the joy, peace, and fulfillment that come from walking in obedience to our loving and faithful God.
