
What a clear picture in the Old Testament of the New Birth and Creation in Christ!!
The Hebrew and Greek words for the English work “New”, used in all the above passages (Isaiah 43:18 & 19; 2 Corinthians 5:17; and Ezekiel 36), are a tremendously important when understanding the New Birth, and New Creation!! The Hebrew word Chadash is used and the Greek word Kainos is used. I’m going to unwrap these a bit; but here’s the basic breakdown:
Chadash – a new fresh thing, or a new thing entirely. In Jeremiah 31:31, it’s the New Covenant, in which after given to Israel, we, the Gentiles were grafted into (Romans 9-11). In Lamentations 3:23 it’s New Compassions/Mercies, that are New every morning (from Yahweh), and now for the Body of Christ, (Hebrews 9:14 & 22) from Jesus His Son!!
Kainos – new in kind, and new in quality!! As in innovation: [transformation, metamorphosis, revolution]. fresh in development or opportunity – because “not found exactly like this before.” (Strong’s Greek) Also, recently made, fresh, recent, unused, unworn, in respect to quality. And, of a new kind; unprecedented, novel, uncommon, unheard of, with respect to substance, type or kind.
Wow!! That’s why we can “Forget the former things, and we don’t have to dwell on the past” Isaiah 43:19 And, know no man after the flesh (2 Corinthians 5:16)
even our-own-selves!! Why, because the New Creation is not about who I was, or what I have done in my past; but it’s now about who and what Christ has made me to be as New Creation in Christ Jesus!! (Of course, because of Who He is & what He has done).
So, as the New Year approaches, I learn to fellowship with this New Identity, in Christ!! How? By meditating, rehearsing, (Psalm 15:2; Proverbs 23:7) fellowshipping on, and around the truths that promote this New Self Image!! I have a New Self Worth, because His blood sacrifice on the Cross (which was worth everything!!) justifies me (in my human spirit) by Grace through Faith (Romans 5:1,10,; Ephesians 2:8 & 9!!), and it makes me worthy, and accepted to stand in His Presence complete, forgiven, sanctified, and holy (in my Standing or Position, Ephesians 1:6, Romans 5:2, and Hebrews 10:10,12, &14). Then, we live the Like Christ-life, as we become more and more like Him (Galatians 4:19) in our State (in our Soul and Body), or Experience, through progressive sanctification; by the power, and filling of the indwelling Holy Spirit. This is the Grace Message (Romans Chapter 8, & Ephesians 5:18, Acts 1:8)!!
With these truths, being the ultimate reality of the Christian life and growth; through which every manifestation of fruit, and good works, that are genuine, (in regards to receiving rewards and positional promotions in Heaven at the Bema-seat judgement of the Christian) must flow from!! Otherwise, we could endure the loss of true rewards…; we end with,
“How shall we escape if we ignore or neglect so great a Salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.”
Hebrews 2:3
But, I trust we won’t neglect these truths; and I am confident in each and everyone of you, that this GREAT NEWS will be the catalyst to propel you and I forward into having the Greatest, and Happiest New Year, Pleasing to God, full of Divine Joy, and Eternal Blessings!!!
Happy New Year Everyone!!
And, have a safe, restful, peaceful holiday with family, and friends!!
In Jesus Name,
Pastor Wayne