Friday 3 March: A transformed life

Bible reading: James 4.6–8

Have you ever wondered if there’s more to life than this? If you’re listening to this, there’s a good chance you’re a Christian and you know your sins are forgiven and you have the promise of eternal salvation. But does any of that actually make any difference to our lives right now, before we die?

The Bible tells us that the good news of Jesus Christ isn’t just good news for when we die. It’s good news for now too!

Before becoming a Christian, you were ‘dead in your sins’. But now, because of what Jesus has done, you are ‘alive and raised with him (see Ephesians 2.1–6). You have a new identity on this earth right here and right now. 2 Corinthians 5.17 says, ‘If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here.’ (NIV)

Sin and death no longer have a hold on you. 

James chapter 4 says, ‘Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you’ (verse 7).

You have the power and authority now in Jesus Christ to resist sin and evil today. You are a new creation, washed clean from the infection of sin. You are a loved child and friend of God, and the apple of his eye. And you have the Holy Spirit as your daily helper.

When we get these truths deep down, and live life by the Holy Spirit, we become fruitful – see Galatians 5.22–23 for a cool list of the fruits of our lives when we live like this.

So today – remember: your identity is no longer ‘sinner’. Shame is left at the door. You are a transformed creation, alive in Christ, with heaven on your side and cheering you on.

This reflection was written by Tom Newbold, Head of Supporter Relations at Bible Society.