The New You

There are many cosmetic products on the market
that claim to transform one in unbelievable ways. For
example, some claim their use could make one look ten
or more years younger. Product manufacturers claim
that using their product as directed could be more
beneficial to their users than other brands of the same
product on the market. Most of these products do not
hold up to their claim, and even if they did, the results
are only temporary.

The Bible talks about an authentic transformation that
is necessary in each individual’s life. It does not cost
individuals anything to obtain (though it cost Christ His
life), the result speaks for itself, and lasts forever. This
transformation is guaranteed through faith in Jesus
Christ, the Son of God.

Why do we need this transformation? This transformation
is necessary to restore our relationship with God; the
relationship that was interrupted by sin. Before you even
think you have no sin, listen to what the Bible says, “If
we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and
the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful
and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from
all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we
make Him out to be a liar and His word has no place in our
lives” (1 John 1:8-10 NIV).

When we confess our sins to God through Christ,
He cleanses us, just as the above Scripture says and
gives us a new nature created to be like Him in true
righteousness and holiness (see Ephesians 4:24). He explains
the effect of the cleansing and forgiveness by saying,
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old
has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV). He further explains our transformation this way, “For you were
once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as
children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all
goodness, righteousness, and truth” (Ephesians 5:8-9 NIV).

In order for the transformation to be evident and
ongoing, we have a responsibility; to live as children of
light by allowing Christ to live through us, by obeying
His word. Our transformation has to be evident in our
attitude towards God and our fellow man. The Scripture
says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV), and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18 NIV).

God’s command in all of this is, “You are to be holy to
me because I, the Lord, am holy” (Leviticus 20:26 NIV); “Put
off your old self, . . . and put on the new self, created
to be like God in true righteousness and holiness”
(Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV). We have to make a conscious effort, each single day to maintain God’s required standard of
holiness. A ‘New You’ in Christ will last for a lifetime and
beyond; come to Jesus now!