Something that amazes me is when people take old things and restore them back to their original or even better condition. It’s amazing to admire the work of someone who puts so much time into making something that was falling apart and turning it back into something beautiful. It’s a stunning and satisfying feeling to see something that once was old, beat-up, and beyond repair become something so beautiful, but even more awesome is that is exactly what God does with those who trust in Jesus as their Savior.
Second Corinthians 5:17-18 says:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
Jesus is in the regeneration business. He takes broken, tattered, and imperfect creatures and regenerates us into something new. We no longer are the same person as before. He has given us a new nature and a new name. Our sin account was settled by Jesus on the cross and we are reconciled to the Father.
God no longer sees us by our sin but only sees His Son Jesus, who became sin for us so that we can be righteous.
So, when you look in the mirror, what do you see? Do you see a broken person? Do you see a person who is irredeemable? Do you see a person who can never change or be healed? Do you see a person who is too far gone? If that person is the one staring back at you in the mirror, you are not alone. Every person who has put their faith in Jesus and has decided to follow Him as leader of their life has seen that person in the mirror but is no longer that person.
They are a new creature, a new person because of Christ.
First, let me invite the person reading this who doesn’t know Christ as their Savior and leader of their life to confess their sins before God and to trust in Christ. He can and will make you a new person. You are not too far gone. You are redeemable. Jesus can turn your messed up life and make it into something purposeful.
Second, let me remind the Christ-follower reading this that perhaps you have forgotten what Christ has done for you in making you a new person. Maybe you still define yourself by your past. You are not that person any longer. Christ has forgiven you of your sins and has regenerated you into a new person. I challenge you to remind yourself of this truth and to embrace who you are in Christ!
Ethan Cline
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ReGeneration is a ministry for people battling the storms of life. From emotional struggles to substance abuse, ReGen is a ministry for those who want to experience healing, recovery, community and accountability in the midst of their storms. Currently, ReGen meets on Tuesday nights (7p) at Grace Church in Wooster. We would LOVE to host you! Text “regen” to 3302649459 if you want more information or want to attend!
Every Day With God 