He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:5 NIV
Jesus promises to make all things new! In order for us to enjoy the abundant, eternal life our Lord desires for us, we must die to ourselves and be made new.
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” John 3:3 NIV
He doesn’t expect us to re-create ourselves. When we accept him as our Lord, he begins by making us new.
Paul writes:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Why does God want us to be a new creation? He wants to equip us and supply us with everything we need to joyfully and effectively serve him. It’s our main mission, while we live here on earth, to serve God. Before God can use us, he needs us to be made new, to be ready, and willing to be a living sacrifice for him each and every day.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. “Romans 12:1 NIV
By reading and hearing his word, we become ready for use in his kingdom.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
Jesus wants us to have purpose in this new life, to sacrifice and serve as he did, and to know God. This comes with his promise of eternal life.
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” John 17:3 NIV
Why does he want this eternal life for us?
“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world” John 17:24 NIV
He makes all of us new. He expects our sacrifice and servitude, and he promises us eternal life- with Him!
What an amazingly crazy love!
Remember to seek him, and to seek him with all of your heart – daily.
Barnabas
Special thanks for this guest submission by Barnabas.