“The New Creation” Day 3: We were all once slaves to sin.

Our first two lessons on the new creation helped us to understand that the new creation is not a renovation, but a total transformation, a metamorphosis. As well, we have discussed the fact that the new creation—at this point in time—is an inward work in that we still live in a fallen world, and have a body that is not yet glorified.

For today, we look at the truth that the fallen state, the permanent stain of sin, is not something that only applies to some people. You see, in order to fully appreciate what God had done for us through Jesus Christ, we must come to terms with the reality of the depths of the sin nature from which Christ has set us free. Only then, can we fully understand how we can live as new creations in this present world.

Make no mistake, outside of the work of Jesus Christ, we were by nature, enemies of God.

“This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As Paul also points out, the unchanged mind is incapable of being obedient to God.

“For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Indeed, the Psalmist comments on the pitiful state of sinful mankind:

“The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one!”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭14‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This sentiment is echoed by the Apostle Paul:

“Well then, should we conclude that we Jews are better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin. As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous— not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.”” Romans‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Paul did not think it too harsh to say that we were once slaves to sin:

“When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

So, considering the depth of our once sinful state; considering the hopelessness of standing before God in that sinful state; we can understand that only by becoming a newly created being, could we ever have had a relationship with God.

Next time, we will consider what God’s remedy through Jesus Christ means to where we stand in this present world.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!