Christ, Our New Life

Apr 01, 2025

New is always better than ol’ Creepy

===
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
===

This is actually one of the first verses I memorized.

I was a sophomore in college, beginning my discipleship journey. I’d seen the value of Scripture memory from my time around older, more mature, Christians and I wanted to do it too.

This one is especially great for new believers because it locks a truth of salvation in their hearts:

If you’re born again in Christ, you are made new.

The Enemy — ol’ Creepy, as my mentor calls the devil — likes to discourage new believers. Telling them they can’t really be saved.

This verse cuts through that.

It’s a promise from God that the transformational work He does in salvation is complete & new.

There’s tremendous freedom here.

Because the shackles of sin are no longer attached to me, I’m free to choose to live the righteous life. I get to obey God and enjoy the fruit of His work within, and around, me.

Now, sin doesn’t feel inevitable, it feels more like a bad choice.

And forgiveness is just a confession and repentance away.

Whenever I’m discussing verses with people who are interested in memorizing, I encourage them to get this one done early.

I’m certainly glad I got it memorized early, it’s been a great comfort for many years.

— Ricky Ketchum

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV®Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Daily Scripture Minute

Discussion about this post

Ready for more?