Category Archives: Eternal Life

Bible, Creation, Eternal Life, God's Will, Indwelling, Redemption, Scripture

A NEW CREATION

GALATIANS 6:15

“For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.”

Man can’t create a thing. We can make stuff from stuff, but we can’t create a single thing. We grow stuff in labs. We plant seeds and watch them grow. We paint art. All of these can display our creative nature. But we, as mere humans, do not have the capability to create anything.

In these last few verses of this letter to the Galatians, Paul begins to wrap it up. In fact, this is the last verse which is addressing the main issue raised by the Judaizers – circumcision. The remaining three verses are his closing remarks. I love how Paul finishes his diatribe on circumcision. He negates it. The key is that we are born again – created again – through Jesus. That’s the real mark of a believer, not a fleshly sign. It’s internal. It’s a circumcision of the heart.

APPLICATION

There are so many verses we could look at concerning our new creation in Christ, but one is probably the most recognized. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” The word for “creation” here and in today’s verse are the same. It’s the Greek word ktisis, which always refers to a divine work. God does this creating, not man.

In Mark 10:6 we read these words of Christ, “‘But from the beginning of creation, God CREATED THEM MALE AND FEMALE.’” Just as God created Adam and Eve in the garden, along with all our nature, He has recreated us in the image of Christ. We have a brand new life.

Let me show you one more verse – Ephesians 2:10. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Do you see it now? If you are in Christ, you are brand new. Your old self is gone, dead, crucified, buried. You are a new creation in Jesus. New babies need their parents. You, as a new creation, need your Heavenly Father. Lean on Him. He can lead you in the right path.

Thank You, Father, for giving me a new life in Christ.

Standard
Bible, Choices, Destruction, Eternal Life, Harvest, Reaping, Scripture, Sowing

REAPING AND SOWING 

GALATIANS 6:8 

“For the one who sows to his own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit.” 

In the past, I have really enjoyed gardening. I have mentioned this before in my blogs. But it’s that time again in the South, so it’s been on my mind a lot. I have been contemplating building some raised beds to go along my backyard fence where I could plant some vegetables. I really enjoy the process of preparing the soil, planting the seed or plants, watching them grow and then reaping the harvest. I can always bet on the fact that I will reap exactly what I sowed. 

In today’s verse, Paul is continuing his thought on reaping and sowing. He is pointing out to the Galatians that there are consequences for our actions. Those who seek to please their flesh will one day reap destruction. They will not experience the peace that comes through knowing Christ. But those who run after the Spirit, who sow seeds to please the Spirit will reap that promise of eternal life. What a promise! 

APPLICATION 

We all know Romans 6:23, right? “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Don’t you get that? It’s free! All we have to do is accept it. Who wouldn’t want that? How about the words of Christ in John 5:24? “‘Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.’” 

Or we can choose to live our lives our own way and ignore all the warning signs. We can choose to live for the moment. There’s a popular billboard out right now. It says, “Live Your Truth.” What hogwash! There is only one truth. What we think about our truth does not matter. That will only lead you to destruction. That is sowing to please the flesh. 

What will you do today? Are you going to sow to the flesh or to the Spirit? Do you want destruction or eternal life? I know what I want. I want to spend eternity with the King of kings and Lord of lords. I want to glorify His name forever. Will you join me? 

Father, You are the reason I have chosen Jesus. You drew me to Yourself. 

Standard