I am a sinner.
I am also a new creation.
So how can I be both—a sinner and a new creation?
The fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden resulted in sin entering the world; therefore, we are each born sinful (Romans 5:12). Even as a toddler, sin comes more naturally than obedience. (Ask any parent who tells their toddler no and is met with a mischievous grin and direct disobedience.) Because we are born sinful, we have a need for salvation.
When I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior, I became a new creation in Him. My thoughts, my desires, and my behaviors have changed because I want to be more like Christ. My love for Him and gratitude for His free gift of salvation, which was impossible for me to earn, (Ephesians 2:8-9) have compelled me to live for and serve the God who saved me.
Therefore, through salvation, I am a new creation, redeemed, bought by the blood of Christ, covered by His righteousness in the sight of God, “...not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith” (Philippians 3:9).
And though my place in eternity is secured through my faith in Jesus as God’s son and His death and resurrection (John 3:16), I still sin. I am not perfect. Jesus was the ONLY perfect being to ever live, which is why His sacrifice on the cross was able to make atonement for all sins—past, present, and future (Hebrews 7:26-27).
Even as a new creation in Christ, my sinful nature remains present. “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do” (Galatians 5:17).
I cannot claim to be without sin, but instead, I claim forgiveness through repentance. Forgiveness that I need daily on this imperfect journey of sanctification—steps forward and steps back, forgiveness and grace, my sinful nature and Christ’s holy righteousness.
My sin no longer holds me captive. Because I am a new creation, I have the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within me, giving me the power to resist temptation, convicting my heart when I fail, and leading me to repentance. This is why I often refer to life as a journey of loving our Lord.
Friends, we are on this journey together. We are here to support each other, to encourage each other, and to speak the truth of God’s Word to each other. And I’m so grateful to have you here.
Father God,
I am a sinner in desperate need of your grace. Not just a one-time grace, but an endless, redemptive grace that covers me daily. Thank you for the free gift of salvation offered to us through Christ’s death on the cross. Forgive me when I go astray. Help me strive every day to fight temptation and to do what is right. Thank you for the chance to spend eternity in your glory. Lord, help make me more like you every day.
I pray all these things in Jesus’ name and through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in me,
Amen.
