A New Year – A New Life in Jesus

Introduction

Isn’t it interesting how stepping into a new year makes the old one feel like a distant memory? That’s what makes the transition so exciting. The past is behind us, and ahead lies a clean canvas—a blank page where we can begin to rewrite the success story we all long for.

Yes, the consequences of last year’s bad choices may still linger, but there is a place where true renewal happens—a beginning so profound that every transgression is wiped away, and we are made completely new.

Pause for a moment and think about what it truly means to be new. Something new isn’t repaired, refurbished, or pieced together from old parts. It’s exactly what the word suggests: brand-new—never existed before, without history or baggage.

As you step into this New Year of 2025, with resolutions and goals in hand, I encourage you to align yourself with God’s Word and embrace what He says about you.

1. We Are New Creatures in Christ

Religious traditions have often distorted the truth of our identity in Christ. Take 2 Corinthians 5:17 as an example:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Unfortunately, many people view this verse as a promise of a future transformation—that one day, when Jesus returns, we’ll finally become new, perfect, and whole. But that’s not what Paul meant.

Here’s the truth: everything the Bible declares about who you are has already come to pass. Look at Ephesians 1:4-6:
“For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will.”

When you accepted Jesus, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit and made new. You are now the righteousness of God through Christ. You are His son or daughter, holy and blameless, perfect and victorious. The Spirit within you testifies that you are a child of God (Romans 8:16).

Let me emphasize this as clearly as possible:

YOU ARE NOT A SINNER!

I’ll repeat it because it’s vital to understand:

YOU ARE NOT A SINNER!!!!!!

2. Sin Was Dealt With Once and for All

How can I make such a bold claim? Because Jesus finished the work. When He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30), He meant it.

Everything—every sin, sickness, fear, weakness, doubt, and failure—was overcome on the cross. As 1 Peter 3:18 puts it:
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”

Paul echoes this in Romans 5:8-9:
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him!”

Sin has been obliterated. Yes, we all have flaws and weaknesses, but those don’t define us. Smoking, drinking, swearing—these aren’t sins; they’re habits that enslave us. Jesus came to set us free from these things so we can live by the Spirit, not the flesh.

Your salvation is secure. The moment you believed, your status as a sinner was erased. God removed your transgressions (Psalm 103:12) and remembers them no more (Hebrews 8:12).

3. What Does This New Life Mean?

If sin has been dealt with and we’re no longer sinners, does that mean we can live however we want? Absolutely not.

Here’s the problem with religion: it reduces the Gospel of the Kingdom to a list of rules to follow to “make it to Heaven.” But God’s desire is for you to live an abundant life through Jesus (John 10:10).

Many people live in fear of hell, thinking God is watching their every move, ready to punish them for mistakes. But that’s not the heart of the Father. God’s purpose was to create us in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26) so we could walk in His authority, manifest His Kingdom on Earth, and reflect His goodness.

Religion often teaches that God is in control of everything. But He gave dominion over the Earth to us (Psalm 115:16). He’s not waiting to catch you in sin; He’s lovingly guiding you through His Spirit.

You are NOT a sinner—you are a SON or DAUGHTER!
You are NOT forgotten—you are REDEEMED!
You are NOT ruled by the flesh—you are led by the SPIRIT (Romans 8:9).

For more about this incredible Kingdom life, be sure to check out my post: God’s Kingdom Blueprint.

Conclusion

As long as we remain ignorant of who we are in Christ—new creations—the world will continue to groan in decay. Romans 8:19 tells us:
“For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.”

We are God’s chosen people, His royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). The work is finished in Christ. Now it’s up to us to step into our position, take dominion, and demonstrate His Kingdom here on Earth (Romans 14:17).

What will you choose to believe this New Year?

Be blessed,
Barry