Transformed: Our New Identity in Christනියැදිය

The Old Has Passed Away

The gospel transforms every aspect of our lives, starting with the past. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians that if anyone is in Christ, that person is a new creation. The old has passed away; the new has come. This is a declaration of hope: through Jesus, we experience spiritual rebirth. Our old self–marked by sin, guilt, and shame–has been replaced with something brand new.

To fully appreciate the transformation that comes through Christ, it helps to understand a little more about what Paul calls the old self. The old self refers to our sinful nature, the part of us that is separated from God and inclined toward rebellion. It’s characterised by a futile attempt to find fulfilment outside of a relationship with God. If you carry the heavy weight of past failures, consider talking to someone about your regret in order to acknowledge it and release it.

When we accept Jesus, we unite with Him spiritually in His death and resurrection and therein lies the gospel’s transformative power. Paul emphasises that our old self was crucified with Christ, which means our sinful nature no longer has power over us. The cross becomes a place of exchange – our sin for His righteousness, our guilt for His grace. Put simply, sin is no longer the boss of us! Of course, the old self being crucified with Christ isn’t merely a symbolic act but a spiritual reality. When we come to Christ, our old self dies, and we’re made new. The cross doesn’t just forgive us. It frees us.

To practically walk out your spiritual transformation and freedom, make a decision today to let go of guilt and shame by accepting God’s unconditional forgiveness.

Because of Jesus’ astonishing love and power, you can walk freely and in newness of life. You’re no longer defined by your failures. You can release your past to God and allow His peace to fill your heart, receiving the mind of Christ as you forgive and are forgiven. The old has gone. You’re a new creation.