2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 

This verse is from Paul’s letter and teaches us about a wonderful change, but this change is ONLY TRUE if we are “in Christ.” What does it mean to be “in Christ?” It means we have believed in Jesus and received Him as our Lord and Savior. As John 1:12, “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” When we are “in Christ,” God makes us His children. This is the beginning of a truly new life. 

We have just started a New Year! Many people make New Year’s resolutions. They promise themselves: “This year I will stop bad habits.” “This year I will fix my failures.”  These are good desires, but the Bible tells us about the only way to find a truly new start, one that changes us from the inside out, lasting forever. This change is ONLY TRUE if we are “in Christ.”  

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,” this condition is very important. This promise is for those who believe in Jesus and follow Him. Without Christ, we cannot truly change. Without Christ, our efforts are often temporary and merely a cover, a mask. Inside, we are still the same. ONLY in Christ are we NEW CREATIONS.  “He is a new creature.” This means the person becomes completely new on the inside. Leaving the “old year” and its failures behind.  

“Behold, all things are become new.” This means everything starts fresh and new with God. God gives us a new start, a clean slate, and a new purpose for this New Year and beyond! 

(Today’s devotion was authored by Bro. Joshua Soliz, a LIFE Group leader and preacher at RBC.)