According to the world, who we become in life depends on our DNA and environment. People are like plastic parts on an assembly line, cooked according to the genetic recipe and injected into the world’s mold. Not much purpose or destiny in that! Although it is mistaken, it is the prevailing worldview and affects how people see themselves and society. However, Paul explains our identity differently.
From now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. . . .
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Cor. 5:16-17, 20)
No matter whether we used to be good or bad, Jesus makes us new. No matter what concept of life we had as unbelievers, the Christian worldview is different. Jesus freed us from the limitations of the mistaken worldview, which claims that you and I are nothing more than the latest model off the genetic production line. As we allow Him, He breaks that mental mold. When our lives are “in Christ,” we are new creatures, deliberately handcrafted by God and given the capacity to accomplish His purposes for us. We died in Him, we live because of Him, and we live for Him.1
Part of His purpose for us is as ambassadors appealing to other citizens of the world to be reconciled to God. It’s tough persuading people to change their minds. Mental molds are confining, but they are cozy too. It takes spiritual revelation to see beyond the established norms, to realize that the prevailing worldview is flawed precisely because it is at odds with God’s truth. Reconciliation to God is necessary to receive our new identity in Christ.
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- 2 Cor. 5:14-15 [↩]