Happy new you! No, this is not a new diet, or a get-rich-quick scheme, or a seven-step self-improvement program. I’m referring to the new creation that is a present reality, and the future glory, for every person that is in Jesus Christ: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The Bible describes at least three aspects to the “new” you that is you if you are in Christ. It describes the new you regarding 1) a New Testament for you, 2) a new life in you, and 3) a new promise to you.
A New Testament For You
Many different words are used in Scripture for the singular milestone of all human history — the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But “new” is a frequently used description for all that Christ’s coming accomplished. Because of Jesus, there is now a “new covenant” (Hebrews 12:24), and a “new and living way” (Hebrews 10:20). Each of these terms is driving home this important point: God has made a way, through the work of Christ on the cross, that is a new revelation both in history and in personal experience. It is different than the Old Testament law, and it is different than any scheme humanity has ever invented in order to accomplish salvation from despair, death, and judgment.
A New Life In You
Galatians 6:15 informs us that in Jesus Christ “neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.” Our religious, or irreligious, acts make no difference when it comes to our salvation. Why? Because faith in Christ on the cross crucifies everything else!
“Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14). So what if I have all the right friends in all the right places? The question is, what is my position in relation to Christ? That orients everything else! We can’t do enough good, but Christ’s work on the cross is wholly sufficient. While we may think we can’t reinvent ourselves enough, the new birth is God divinely renovating us for his glory. Those who have this new life, through faith in Christ, are to live a new life! The new man obeys God and honors Christ, not out of duty, but out of a new heart and and a new motivation. No longer do we serve God out of slavish fear, but out of familial love (Romans 7:6; John 14:15).
A New Promise To You
In addition to the beautiful new life we have in Christ, there is an astounding promise: “Whether … the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s” (1 Corinthians 3:22-23). As the centurion with the sick servant recognized in Luke 7:7-10, even sickness is Jesus’ servant! And thus your servant, if you are on Jesus’ side (Romans 8:28). And the breathtaking promise for you stretches into eternity: “according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).
In our eternal future, we are living in heaven, and heaven is still righteous! Amazing!
What about you? Have you tasted this New Testament that is only in Jesus Christ? Are you living the new life that flows from love for Christ? Are you trusting in the promises of Christ to you, that everything is serving you in Christ until the day that you and all creation serve him freshly, perfectly in the new heavens and the new earth? This is the happy new you! May this be you in this New Year.
Justin Huffman is a graduate of Reformed Theological Seminary and pastored churches in the States for over 15 years. He is currently lead pastor of Morningstar Christian Fellowship in Toronto, where he lives with his wife Chau and their four children. Justin is the author of the “Daily Devotion” app, as well as numerous books and articles, including his newest book Behold: an Invitation to Wonder. Connect with him at justinhuffman.org.