A Brand New Life in Christ

April 20, 2025

We are buried and raised with Christ, experiencing new life through faith.

Rejoice in the glorious truth that as a believer, you are a new creation in Christ! This Easter season, let's not just remember Jesus' resurrection, but also celebrate our own resurrection with Him. This meditation will delve into the scriptures, exploring the depth of our new life, the authority we carry, and the exciting future that awaits us.

Buried and Raised with Christ

"Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:12)

Imagine the scene: you are immersed in the water, a symbolic burial of your old self, the person once enslaved to sin. As you rise from the water, you emerge a new creation, cleansed and reborn. This act of baptism vividly portrays the spiritual reality of our union with Christ. We are buried with Him, signifying the end of our old life dominated by sin. We are raised with Him, empowered by the same resurrection power that conquered death. This new life is not earned through our efforts or the ritual of baptism itself, but it is a gift received through faith in the mighty working of God who raised Jesus from the dead. This faith connects us to the very source of life, enabling us to walk in the newness of resurrection power. It's a powerful reminder that our identity is now found in Christ, and we are no longer defined by our past.

A New Creation

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

This verse encapsulates the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. The "old" represents our former way of life, characterized by sin, separation from God, and spiritual death. The "new" signifies the radical change that occurs when we are united with Christ. We are no longer bound by the chains of our past, but we are made new, free to live a life of purpose and righteousness. This new creation is not merely an external change, but a deep, internal transformation that affects every aspect of our being. We are given new desires, new motivations, and a new perspective on life. The old has gone; the new has come! This is the miracle of God's grace at work in us.

"When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,” (Colossians 2:13)

Before we knew Christ, we were spiritually dead, separated from God by our sins. Our sinful nature, like uncircumcised flesh, hindered our relationship with the Divine. But God, in His immeasurable love and mercy, intervened. Through Christ's sacrifice on the cross, He made us alive, bridging the gap that separated us from Him. This new life is not just a restoration of what was lost, but a brand new beginning, a fresh start with a clean slate. The phrase "He forgave us all our sins" speaks to the completeness of Christ's atonement. Every sin, past, present, and future, has been completely washed away by His blood. This is the foundation of our new life, the bedrock upon which our hope and freedom are built.

Freedom from the Charges

"having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:14)

Imagine a courtroom scene: the charges against us, a long list of our transgressions, stand as a formidable indictment. The penalty for these offenses is death – spiritual separation from God. But then, Jesus steps in, taking our place on the stand. He cancels the record of debt, nailing it to the cross. The charges are dismissed, the penalty paid in full. This is the powerful imagery of Colossians 2:14. The "charge of our legal indebtedness" represents the weight of our sin, the burden of guilt and condemnation. Jesus, through His sacrifice, has removed this burden, setting us free from the penalty of sin. The cross becomes the symbol of our liberation, the place where our debt was paid and our freedom purchased.

Disarming the Enemy

"And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” (Colossians 2:15)

In the spiritual realm, a battle raged between the forces of good and evil. The "powers and authorities" represent the spiritual forces of darkness that seek to enslave and destroy us. But through His victory on the cross, Jesus disarmed these forces, stripping them of their power and authority. He made a public spectacle of them, exposing their defeat and demonstrating His ultimate triumph. This victory is not just a historical event, but a present reality for every believer. We are no longer under the dominion of darkness, but we are empowered to live in the light and freedom of Christ's victory. We can stand firm against the enemy's attacks, knowing that he has been defeated and his power broken.

A Priceless Inheritance

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,” (1 Peter 1:3-4)

This passage speaks of the incredible inheritance that awaits those who are in Christ. It is a "living hope," grounded in the resurrection of Jesus, which guarantees our own future resurrection and eternal life. This inheritance is not material possessions or earthly riches, but something far greater – a relationship with God, a place in His eternal kingdom, and a life that is free from pain, suffering, and death. It is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading," secure and unchanging in the presence of God. This inheritance is not something we earn, but a gift freely given through God's grace and mercy.

The Future Starts Now

The message translation of 1 Peter 1:3 reminds us that our future in Christ starts now. We have everything to live for, including a future in heaven. This means that the blessings and promises of God are not just for the afterlife, but they are available to us in the present. We can experience the joy, peace, and power of the Holy Spirit today. We can walk in victory over sin, sickness, and fear. We can live with purpose and meaning, knowing that our lives are hidden in Christ. The future starts now because we are connected to the eternal God, who is working in and through us to accomplish His purposes. Embrace this truth and live each day with the confident expectation of God's goodness and grace.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the power of Christ's resurrection, let us embrace our new life with renewed vigor and purpose. We are no longer defined by our past sins, but by the life-giving power of Jesus. Walk in freedom, authority, and the confident expectation of a glorious future.

Reflect on This

• How can you practically live out your new identity in Christ each day?

• What fears or anxieties do you need to surrender to Jesus, knowing that He has disarmed the enemy?

  
  

Prayer

Father God, I thank you for the gift of new life in Christ. I declare that I am free from the power of sin and death. I walk in the authority and power of Your Holy Spirit, knowing that the enemy has been defeated. I receive Your abundant provision and embrace the future You have prepared for me, knowing that it starts now. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Key Takeaways

• We are buried and raised with Christ, experiencing new life through faith.

• We are new creations in Christ, forgiven and empowered to live for Him.

• Jesus canceled the charges against us, nailing them to the cross.

• Jesus disarmed the enemy, giving us authority and power.

• Our future in Christ starts now, filled with hope and a priceless inheritance.

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To dive deeper into this powerful message, watch the full sermon on our YouTube video below.