NEW CREATION

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a New Creation; the old has gone, the new has come! [NIV]
Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a New Creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. [NKJV]

We, the youth group of Chattanooga Christian Assembly took on the name New Creation in 2004. The intent of this article is to introduce you to what our ministry is and where God is planning on taking us from here on out.

For a person who is saved, there can be nothing more reassuring than a verse like this. We will take this verse apart Phrase by Phrase and study it in-depth.

What does it mean to be "IN CHRIST?"

1. In Christ we HAVE certain things
2. In Christ we BECOME certain things
3. In Christ we RECEIVE certain things

A. In Christ we HAVE:

1. Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
   We have Redemption in Christ Jesus through his blood. He redeemed us from this world, sin and Satan and set us free.
2. Romans 8:1 [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit
3. Romans 8:2 We are free from the law of sin and death in Christ Jesus.
4. 1 Pet 5:14 Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus
5. Galatians 2:4 We have Freedom and Liberty from traditions and rituals in Christ Jesus

B. In Christ we BECOME

1. Galatians 3:26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Whether male of female, we all become the sons of God through faith in Christ
2. Galatians 3:28 Ye are all one in Christ Jesus. We become united in Christ Jesus and in vs. 29 we become heirs to Gods promises.

C. In Christ we GET/RECEIVE

1. Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.
   We get the MIND of Christ. The mind of Christ has the following characteristics
   1. Vs. 7 - Made himself of no reputation
   2. vs. 7 - Became a servant
   3. vs. 8 - Humbled himself
   4. vs. 8 - Was obedient unto death
       
   And so God gave him a name above all names. So when we have the mind of Christ, then God will LIFT US UP/Exalt us in due time.
2. Ephesians 2:6,7 He will raise us up and make us sit together with him in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
3. Ephesians 1:3 He has blessed us with all Spiritual blessings in Heavenly places

The old has gone, All things are become NEW

So if we are in Christ then we become a NEW CREATION. The verse goes on to say that the old has gone and the new has come. That means a New Body and a New Spirit. John 3:5 says that no man can enter into the kingdom of God unless he be born of the WATER and of the SPIRIT. So a NEW CREATION in Christ Jesus will have two New things

1. Born of water >>> Newness of Life (Romans 6:4)
2. Born of Spirit >>> Newness in Spirit (Romans 7:6)

1. Born of Water... Newness of Life... at Water Baptism
   Romans 6:4 says that our OLD man is buried and we are raised up to be with Christ in the Newness of Life. Vs. 11 and 12 tells us to be dead unto sin and alive unto God.
   
   So don't let sin reign in your mortal bodies. This is an EVERYDAY experience. A New Creation has to die to sin everyday.
    
2. Born of Spirit... Newness in Spirit... by the Holy Spirit
   Romans 7:6 says that we should serve in the newness of spirit. Romans 8:2 tells us that when we live in the Spirit we become free from the law of sin and death. Vs. 14,15 says that this spirit makes us the sons of God. Vs. 17 tell us that if we are the children of God then we are the heirs of God.
   
   Walking in the Newness of the Spirit is also and EVERYDAY experience. The spirit of God will help us in various ways.
   1. Romans 8:14 tells us that the Spirit will help you put to death the deeds/works of the flesh/body.
   2. Romans 8:26 says that it will help us pray and will intercede for us.

Anyone who accepts the Lord Jesus as their personal savior becomes a NEW CREATION. The old will pass away and all things will become New. We invite you to know our Lord Jesus as the Lord, King and Master of your life. We are a testimony to the fact that our NEW WAY of life is worth living.

God bless you
For New Creation
Santhosh Mathews