The day you put your faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross was also the day the old you died and was buried. That old, sinful identity that once defined you is gone, and in its place, you have been totally recreated as the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.
We often hear about the side of the cross that deals with sin—how Jesus died to pay the penalty for our wrongdoing. That truth is foundational and life-changing, but there’s another side to the cross that is equally important: the side that gives life. By faith, we are placed at the cross with Jesus, and in doing so, the corrupt, old self is crucified and done away with. This allows us to truly live as brand new creations in Him.
Paul explains it beautifully in Romans 5:10:
“If while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by His life!”
Galatians 2:20 makes it even more personal:
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Because of this glorious exchange, the person you once were—separated from God, enslaved to sin, and spiritually dead—is gone. The new you is alive in Christ, filled with His life and love, and empowered to walk in His Spirit. You are holy, righteous, and secure in God’s grace. Your life is no longer about striving in your own strength; it’s about depending on Jesus moment by moment and living the life He gives you.
Ezekiel 36:26-27 reminds us of this divine transformation:
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to obey my laws.”
Through faith, you’ve been given a new heart, a new spirit, and a life fully hidden in Christ. The old is gone. The new is here. Live it, receive it, and rejoice in it today.
A Prayer For Today:
Lord, thank You for the work of the cross. Thank You that the old me is dead and buried and that in Christ I have been recreated. Help me to live by faith in You, moment by moment, depending on Your Spirit for life, love, and strength. Teach me to receive the fullness of Your grace and walk as the new creation You have made me to be. Amen.
Scripture References:
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
- Romans 5:10
- Galatians 2:20
- Colossians 2:12
- Colossians 3:1-3
- Ezekiel 36:26-27