Only Jesus Makes Us New

The beauty of following Jesus is that it doesn’t begin and end with his saving sacrifice on the cross. As we have read, the act of reconciling us back to God is intertwined with another incredibly powerful spiritual phenomenon: we are made into a new creation. The old has gone and a new life has begun! We can let go of old hurts, shame, guilt and regret. We are no longer that person anymore. Reconciliation goes hand in hand with transformation.

This change makes us more like Jesus, shaping and moulding us into his image. But it’s a process that continues throughout our lives. Sometimes it can be discouraging when we see areas of our heart that aren’t changing - stubborn areas of resistance to the renewing power of the Spirit. But do not be discouraged. If we continue to seek Jesus and yield ourselves to the work of the Spirit, what He has started in us will be brought to completion.

Reflection Questions:

• When you became a new creation, what differences did you immediately notice in your life?
• What are the stubborn areas of resistance that God is what to transform in your heart?
• What could you do to seek Jesus and yield to the work of the Spirit today?