2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
Reflection
Imagine holding your Bible that has traveled through years of study, prayer, and devotion. The edges of its pages are tattered, its spine is creased, and its cover bears the marks of time. Despite its wear, this Bible holds immense value—not because of its outward appearance, but because of the truth contained within. Even as it ages, it remains a source of wisdom, guidance, and comfort.
Over time, however, the fragile binding may loosen, the pages may become harder to turn, and the cover may need restoration. A skilled bookbinder or devoted owner carefully repairs the Bible—restitching its binding, restoring its cover, reinforcing its structure so that it can continue to be used for generations.
This image beautifully mirrors the transformation that God works in our lives. Before Christ, we are worn by sin, weakened by struggles, and marked by the mistakes of our past. We may feel as if we are beyond repair, like the tattered Bible that seems to be falling apart. But God does not discard us—He restores us. He does not merely patch over our flaws; He renews us completely.
Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5:17 declare that when we are in Christ, we become a new creation. This is not a superficial makeover—it is a deep, spiritual transformation. The old has passed away, and the new has come. Just as a repaired Bible retains its history while being renewed for continued use, we do not lose our experiences or memories when God makes us new. Our past is not erased, but it no longer defines us. God does not simply improve us—He recreates us. The stains of sin are washed away, and we are given a fresh identity. This renewal is not based on our own effort, but on His grace and power. It is a work of restoration that only He can accomplish.
Yet, this transformation is not instant. Just as restoring an old Bible takes time, patience, and careful hands, our spiritual renewal is a process. God works in us daily, shaping our hearts, refining our character, and leading us into deeper communion with Him. There are moments when the process may feel slow, when we struggle to believe that we are truly being made new. But His promise remains—the work He begins in us, He will bring to completion.
The beautiful truth is that, once restored, a Bible continues to serve its purpose. It is opened, read, and cherished. In the same way, when God renews us, He calls us to step forward in faith. We are not meant to dwell on who we once were, but to embrace the person He is shaping us to be. We may still bear the marks of past trials, but they now serve as testimonies of His transforming power.
This renewal changes not only our relationship with God but also how we interact with others. Just as God repairs and redeems us, He calls us to extend grace and hope to those who feel worn and broken. When we share our testimony, encourage those who are struggling, and remind others of the promise of restoration, we reflect His love in a powerful way. No matter how damaged, weary, or worn you may feel, God is in the business of making all things new. His work is thorough, His restoration complete, and His love unchanging.
Personal Application
Think about your own life. Are there areas where you feel worn down, broken, or in need of renewal? Perhaps there are past mistakes that still weigh on you, or struggles that make you feel unworthy of God’s love.
God’s promise in 2 Corinthians 5:17 is for you. He does not see you as damaged beyond repair. He sees you as His beloved creation, ready to be made new.
Consider how you can embrace this renewal in your daily life. Are there habits or mindsets that need to be surrendered to Him? Are there areas where you need to trust in His transforming power?
One way to live out this truth is by letting go of the past. Just as a restored Bible is meant to be used, not hidden away, God calls us to walk in our new identity. We are not meant to dwell on who we were but to step forward in who we are becoming.
Another way to embrace renewal is through daily communion with God. Spending time in His Word, seeking His presence, and allowing Him to shape our hearts keeps us aligned with His purpose.
Finally, we can reflect His restoration to others. Just as God renews us, He calls us to extend grace and encouragement to those who feel broken. Sharing our testimony, offering kindness, and reminding others of God’s transforming power can be a source of hope.
Prayer
Father, Thank You for making me new in Christ. You have taken my brokenness and restored me, giving me a fresh start and a renewed purpose. I am grateful that my past does not define me, but Your love does. Help me to walk in the truth of my new identity. Teach me to let go of the burdens that weigh me down and to embrace the life You have given me. Strengthen me to trust in Your transforming power, even when I feel weak.Lord, I ask that You continue to shape me according to Your will. Fill me with Your presence, guide my steps, and use me to reflect Your love to others. May my life be a testimony of Your grace and renewal. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Written By Sarah Fry-Leasure
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