2 Corinthians 5:16–21 (NRSV)

16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. 17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. 20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

In Christ, there is a new creation. This is the wonderful promise that results from Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Rather than coming to destroy the old, Jesus is on a mission to make things new. It is a forward looking mission that encompasses all of creation in the final resolution.

God  fulfills promises and answers prayers in the great way of grace so as to renew our lives. God touches every part of our life mind, body, and spirit in a way that propels us forward.

But all of this can be vague…it may even come off as religious speak and not reality if we are not careful to scratch beneath the veneer and ask “What does a new life look like?” Good question and one that will be different for each person. But for all of us a few things will be different.

1. Our desires will change.
2. Our viewpoint will change.
3. Our relationships will change.
4. Our abilities will be enhanced.
5. Our gifts will be used.
6. Our sense of peace will be tangible.

I could on, but where would I stop? 

This doesn’t happen overnight but it does begin to take shape over our lifetime. The process of becoming more like Christ (new) is a lifetime journey in which we are uniquely empowered through the Holy Spirit to undertake.

The life of faith is more than about getting out of here and into heaven. It is about beginning our heavenly existence well before our death. Let me encourage you to not stop in your faith journey with your ticket to heaven. Don’t get me wrong, that is supremely important…but it is not all that God desires to do for us.

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, thank you for the gift of eternal life through faith. I also thank you that this abundant life begins with my next breath. Do your work in my life to bring me closer to you in proximity and likeness.