When we place our faith in Jesus, we are not simply improved versions of our old selves, we are made new. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” This is not a small change; it is a complete renewal of who we are in Him.
What does it mean to be renewed? To be renewed in Christ means that our sins are forgiven. We are given a new heart and a new spirit. “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” (Ezekiel 36:26).
Our old identity tied to shame, fear, and guilt is replaced with a new identity rooted in God’s love. We are no longer defined by our past mistakes but by Jesus’ righteousness. God does not simply clean up your old life; He gives you a new identity as His beloved child.
We are renewed in mind and in spirit. Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This renewal happens daily as we walk with Jesus. We begin to think differently, see ourselves differently, and desire what God desires.
Your renewal in Christ means that you have new desires to love God and others. You have hope for your future no matter what your past was. You are empowered to overcome sin through the Holy Spirit. You are invited to see yourself the way God sees you: chosen, loved, and equipped for good works. “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken” (Psalm 62:5-6).
When we are renewed by God, we learn to let go of the old. Sometimes, we struggle to let go of who we used to be. We may still feel the weight of past failures or labels others placed on us. But God’s Word reminds us that in Christ, you are no longer that person.
You are renewed to walk in freedom. We are free from condemnation. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2). In 2 Peter 3:18, it tells us we are free to grow in grace, “But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”
We are free to live with purpose. Jeremiah29:11 tells us, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Living as the renewed you brings you hope, peace, and joy in this life. The freedom of being renewed by Christ gives you a chance to fully live your life and show others around you the joy and peace that Christ gives. “I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart” (Jeremiah 24:7).
Because you are renewed in Christ, you can forgive yourself and others. You can stand firm in God’s promises. You can walk with confidence in your God-given identity. You can embrace each day knowing His mercies are new every morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
You are not stuck in your old patterns. Christ’s renewal empowers you to grow, change, and walk in the light. Your identity in Christ is not based on your feelings but on God’s unchanging truth. You are renewed, redeemed, and deeply loved. Walk in the freedom and joy of your new identity, allowing your life to reflect the renewal Jesus has given you.
This week’s recipe is a delicious salad that is packed with protein. Chickpeas and white beans together make this salad feel hearty, and the addition of grilled chicken bumps up the protein even more. If your family prefers, you can substitute the chicken or grilled shrimp or grilled steak tips. It is perfect for all of those end-of-summer parties because it doesn’t have any mayo. It keeps in the refrigerator beautifully and is a crowd pleaser. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does.
“The Lord your God wins victory after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because of you, and he will refresh your life with his love” (Zephaniah 3:17).
June 20, 2025
