NEW LIFE IN CHRIST

NEW LIFE IN CHRIST

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 5:17

Key Verse: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Supporting Texts: Romans 6:4, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 4:22-24, Colossians 3:9-10, John 3:3

Description: New life in Christ is the transformation of the believer from the old nature of sin into a new creation of righteousness through the power of the Holy Spirit.

INTRODUCTION:
New life in Christ is the greatest miracle that can happen to any human being. It is not just a change of religion or behaviour modification but a total transformation of the inner man. When one encounters Christ, life is no longer the same because a new nature is imparted.

This new life is rooted in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice on the cross, sin and death were conquered, and those who believe in Him are raised into the power of a new beginning. It is a life marked by freedom from sin, reconciliation with God, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

The reality of new life in Christ must be experienced and sustained. It calls for daily renewal, conscious rejection of the old ways, and a commitment to walk in the Spirit. This life is the evidence that we truly belong to God and are preparing for eternal glory with Him.

1. THE OLD LIFE WITHOUT CHRIST
Before salvation, man lives under the dominion of sin and separation from God.

a) Life of sin and bondage (Romans 3:23)
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, trapped in sinful habits.

b) Life of darkness and ignorance (Ephesians 4:18)
The old life is characterised by spiritual blindness and alienation from God.

c) Life under condemnation (Romans 6:23)
Sin brings death and eternal separation from God.

d) Life without hope (Ephesians 2:12)
Outside Christ, man is hopeless and without covenant with God.

Biblical Example: The prodigal son who wasted his life in sin until he returned to the father (Luke 15:11-24).

2. THE NEW LIFE IN CHRIST
The new life begins when we accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour.

a) A new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
In Christ, we are transformed and given a brand-new identity.

b) Freedom from sin (Romans 6:14)
Sin shall no longer have dominion over those who are in Christ.

c) A life of righteousness (Ephesians 4:24)
We are created in true holiness and righteousness.

d) A Spirit-filled life (Galatians 5:22-23)
The fruit of the Spirit becomes evident in the new believer’s life.

Biblical Example: Saul the persecutor became Paul the apostle after his encounter with Christ (Acts 9:1-22).

3. THE BENEFITS OF NEW LIFE IN CHRIST
This transformation comes with blessings that cannot be found in the old life.

a) Peace with God (Romans 5:1)
Justified by faith, we now enjoy peace with God.

b) Access to God’s presence (Ephesians 2:18)
Through Christ, we can boldly approach the Father.

c) Power over the enemy (Luke 10:19)
The new life carries authority over all powers of darkness.

d) Hope of eternal life (John 14:2-3)
Those in Christ have the assurance of spending eternity with Him.

Biblical Example: The thief on the cross received the promise of paradise when he believed in Jesus (Luke 23:39-43).

4. HOW TO LIVE OUT THE NEW LIFE IN CHRIST
The new life must be maintained through daily commitment and faith.

a) Renewing the mind (Romans 12:2)
Transformation continues as we renew our thinking with God’s Word.

b) Putting off the old man (Colossians 3:9)
We must deliberately forsake sinful habits and lifestyles.

c) Walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16)
By the Spirit’s help, we overcome the desires of the flesh.

d) Abiding in Christ (John 15:4)
Consistent fellowship with Christ ensures continuous fruitfulness.

Biblical Example: Enoch walked with God and maintained a life of holiness until God took him (Genesis 5:24).

CONCLUSION:
New life in Christ is a gift of grace and a demonstration of God’s power to transform lives. It takes us from sin, bondage, and death into righteousness, liberty, and eternal hope.

As believers, we must not only receive this new life but also nurture it through daily fellowship with God, obedience to His Word, and submission to the Holy Spirit. In doing so, we manifest the reality of Christ in us, the hope of glory.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for the gift of new life in Christ.
2. Father, let the old nature of sin die completely in me.
3. Lord, help me to walk in the reality of being a new creation.
4. O Lord, renew my mind daily with Your Word.
5. Father, let Your Spirit empower me to overcome sin.
6. Lord, grant me peace and joy in my new life with You.
7. Father, help me to bear fruit as evidence of my new life.
8. Lord, give me grace to live holy and blameless before You.
9. Father, prepare me for eternity with Christ.
10. Lord, use my life as a testimony of Your transforming power.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You shall walk in the fullness of your new life in Christ!
2. The power of sin shall never have dominion over you again!
3. You shall manifest the fruit of the Spirit in abundance!
4. You shall enjoy peace with God all your days!
5. Every old habit and bondage is broken permanently in your life!
6. You shall carry the mark of transformation that cannot be denied!
7. You shall live daily in victory over the enemy!
8. You shall remain rooted in Christ and never fall away!
9. You shall be a testimony of God’s grace to the world!
10. Eternal life in Christ shall be your portion forever!