Only a New Creation

Only a New Creation

“But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.” Gal. 6:14-15. It is only what the gospel has accomplished in us that has any value in eternity—and we can also say here in this life.

Jesus says in Matt. 7:22-23, “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” To this we could add many more works that we think have value humanly speaking, such as self-sacrifice and “good” works of many different kinds. It’s only a new creation that is of value!

If the death of Christ doesn’t work in us in all that we do—which is the condition for the growth of the new creation—then only a work of man will remain after we are gone. Paul writes in 1 Cor. 3:14-15, “If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” If we are to receive a reward, what we build must be made of “spiritual building material” that will endure when the fire comes.

When we face trials—and we all do—many of us manage to deal with them in a seemingly good way in our human strength. But what takes place in us—the growth that comes about through the death of Christ, can vary greatly. The one person finds impatience, demands and stinginess that dwell in their human nature and puts it to death. The other “suppresses” their impatience, demands and stinginess in order to maintain “a nice facade” and to receive honor from people. We can say that these are two buildings that appear to be identical, and many good words will likely be said at birthday celebrations throughout both of their lives, but the one building endures when the fire comes, resulting in a reward—the bride of Jesus Christ—while the other building is burnt up and the reward is lost.

May we be among the wise virgins who will celebrate the wedding with the Bridegroom—as His bride.