If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – 2 Corinthians 5:17
After you got your last pair of new shoes, did you immediately get rid of all your other shoes? Probably not. Most likely, you just added them to your collection. Today, some people are inclined to include “knowing Jesus” as just another element in their assortment of spiritual practices or beliefs. Unlike owning a pair of shoes for any occasion, when you have an authentic relationship with Christ, you need no other option.
If you have accepted Christ and His payment for your sin, the barrier between you and your Creator has been removed. His strength is sufficient to overcome every challenge, and you no longer have to depend on your own grit and determination. Through Christ, you receive abundant forgiveness, not only enough for yourself but plenty to offer to others, even those who have deeply hurt you. Living under the reign of Christ brings you into a healing circle of fellowship shared with other believers. While you may have just as many difficulties as your unbelieving neighbors, you have access to that blessed peace that offers comfort when least expected. Over time, you come to recognize that whatever happens next is in the plan of your loving Savior, and He refines your pain as well as your gladness into a genuine joy. As a chorus from the last century put it, “Jesus, the One and Only, faithful, pure and holy. He’s the Son of righteousness, worthy of the glory.“ As you live life in Christ, you realize He is the One and Only.
Pray today for those in offices of government and influence across the United States to join you in fully embracing faith and life in Jesus Christ, humbly acknowledging He is the One they need.
Today’s Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Galatians 2:16-20
16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
