One of my favorite scriptures is from 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold; all things have become new.”

I find this scripture especially interesting when one considers the context in which it was written. The Apostle Paul wrote First and Second Corinthians to address the Corinthians, most of whom who were just starting off in their faith.

You might not think you have a whole lot in common with members of that early church. But you have more in common with them than you think. Just like today’s society is mired in sin, so it was with these ancient cities and cultures. Corinth, for example, was a city in Greece known for being a city of “commercial love.” In other words, a place where prostitutes and sexual sin was rampant. The Corinthian believers were not immune from the effects of sin either. They struggled with envy, strife and idolatry.

The good news is that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) Just as He made all things new back then, He is still making all things new today.

Becoming that new creation

Think back to the time when you were a “baby Christian” starting out in your Christian walk. I’m guessing you had some sin with which you struggled. Some of those sinful ways were probably harder to let go of, while some were fairly easy.

For me personally, it didn’t take long for me to stop abusing alcohol. But giving up some of the music I listened to was a lot harder. I loved heavy metal music, but I knew the lyrics were anything but godly.

As I read the Bible, the one verse I kept coming back to was the one I mentioned earlier: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold; all things have become new.” I wanted to be made new and give up old habits that weren’t pleasing to Him. But I also knew I couldn’t do it all in my own strength. I needed to read my Bible, ask others to pray for me, and continue going to church.

If you are struggling with sin in your life, Jesus died on the cross not only to forgive those sins but to help you overcome them. Whether you are a baby Christian or someone who has walked with Jesus for years, He wants to give you a fresh start and help you overcome any ungodly habits in your life. You may not feel like a new creature in Christ, but you have to believe it by faith. Don’t let the enemy condemn you and tell you you’ll never change. The Lord gave believers the Holy Spirit to come alongside and help, but it’s up to you to ask for it.

He has – and does – make all things new.

Do you believe when you became a Christian you also became a “new creature in Christ?” Do you feel that freedom or are there still “old things” that seem to be holding you back?