District Apostle Edy Isnugroho explained to us why the new creation within us is very important in order to be able to reach the goal. If we are in Christ, what does it mean? to be in Christ means our life is for Him, we believe in Jesus, we want to imitate Him.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” District Apostle used this Bible text from 2 Corinthians 5:17 as the basis of the divine service. Here, Apostle Paul describes our previous life before baptism with water, as the “old” creation, and goes on to describe the time following baptism as the “new” creation within us.
Signs of the new creation
“Life in remoteness from God thus comes to an end. There must be the renewal of our inner being,” District Apostle elaborate. “The characteristic of a new creation is a life focused on the Lord.” We want to do every effort to keep the commandments and we want to keep the vows given to God. Then, all things have become new and this new creation comes into being in place of our old nature. The signs of the new creation within us including:
- Our love for God. Our focus in life is Jesus and no more about our daly life. Let His commandments is always in our heart. “We have a great longing and desire to be with Him in His kingdom.”
- Our love for our neighbour. The otherness of our neighbour is no longer a barrier for such love. “We do our best to forgive our neighbour.”
- Our gentleness and humbleness. “Let our speech always be with grace and seasoned with salt. It means bring peace, bring love, bring joy”
“These are the signs of the new creation within us” said District Apostle. Let us do our part to make this new creation within us to grow and develop. And if the new creation within us is develop we can look confidently to our transformation and our resurrection on the return of Jesus Christ.
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