Sep 24

2 Peter 3:11-13 says that a new world is coming, in which Jesus will reign as Lord and Master. And it says that we look forward to this day. Nevertheless, that coming will also be accompanied by unimaginable fire that destroys all that existed before. Such is the depth of this destruction by fire that according to verse 12 even the very elements of the universe will melt in that heat.

This is not just a transformation; this is a completely new creation that is coming at the coming of Jesus. The old will be destroyed so that the new can come.

This same truth applies to what happens as God seeks to bring us to salvation in his Son. Sin has marred our soul, the world which our spirit inhabits, to such an extent that it is not possible simply to transform it by learning the laws and ways of God. That is legalism, the method of the Pharisees and proud man.

No, so deep is the corruption in our being that nothing can transform it at all; it must be put to death; it is irreparable. After it has been put to death, then there is room for a new life to be sown in the heart, the new life that comes from Jesus. Jesus died on the cross so that we can have new life in us. Romans 6 says that our old nature died with him on that cross -- it died; it was not transformed but died, so that the new life in Christ could grow in us.

Scripture for today: Romans 6
Thought for today: For the new life of Jesus to grow in me, my old self has to be put to death first.
Prayer for today: Thank you, Jesus, for dying for me, for giving up your life so that your new resurrection life can be imparted to me.

SEP 24