Teaching summary
In this sermon, Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola teach that living under the New Covenant means understanding that transformation comes through the Word and the Spirit, not human effort. They emphasize that believers are already united with Christ and share His righteousness, identity, and nature. The message highlights the importance of leaving old covenant thinking behind and embracing new creation realities. As believers see themselves as Christ is, they begin to live in freedom, healing, and blessing through faith.
Bible verses referenced
Hebrews 4:12- "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
2 Corinthians 3:18- "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
John 6:63- "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."
Romans 4:25- "Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification."
Romans 5:1- "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
2 Corinthians 5:21- "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
Romans 8:30- "Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified."
Romans 3:23- "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
Romans 8:11- "But if the Spirit of him that raised Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you."
2 Corinthians 8:9- "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich."
John 17:21-22- "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction and Foundation of the Message
- The Word and the Spirit Do the Work
- Transformation Through the Mirror of the Word
- Living by Faith, Not Effort
- Understanding “As He Is, So Are We”
- The Importance of the New Covenant
- Righteousness, Justification, and Glorification
- Identity in Christ and Paul’s Gospel
- The Danger of Old Covenant Thinking
- Living Out New Creation Realities
- Union with Christ and Its Benefits
- Final Prayer: Oneness with Christ
Introduction and Foundation of the Message
The pastors begin by welcoming the audience and expressing gratitude for their support. They explain that this message continues from previous teachings and is rooted in a foundational scripture about the power of God’s Word.
They emphasize that the Word itself is active and transformative. Hebrews 4:12- "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit… and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
They explain that the Word works like a surgical instrument, removing doubt and unbelief while establishing truth within the believer.
The Word and the Spirit Do the Work
The teaching highlights that transformation is not achieved through human effort but through the Word and the Spirit working together. The Word performs the “surgery,” while the Spirit brings life and change.
John 6:63- "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."
They explain that the flesh—human effort—profits nothing, but the Spirit gives life. This reinforces that the Christian walk is not about striving but believing.
Transformation Through the Mirror of the Word
Pastor Leonard connects this teaching to another key scripture about transformation through beholding Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:18- "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory…"
He explains that the Bible acts as a mirror. As believers look into it and see Christ, they are transformed into that same image—not by effort, but by the Spirit.
Living by Faith, Not Effort
The pastors stress that this new life is not something to work for but something to believe. They explain that when a person believes the Word, it produces transformation automatically. The focus is not on doing but on trusting what God has already done through Christ. This is a central theme of grace: everything is based on Jesus’ finished work, not human performance.
Understanding “As He Is, So Are We
Pastor Lori shares her personal struggle with believing this truth. She explains that she once focused on her failures and shortcomings, which made it impossible to see herself as righteous or like Christ.
She explains that many believers struggle with this because they rely on their senses and performance instead of the truth of God’s Word.
The Importance of the New Covenant
Pastor Leonard explains that much of the confusion comes from mixing covenants.
He references the misunderstanding that comes from applying Old Covenant thinking to New Covenant realities. Romans 3:23- "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
He explains that this verse describes humanity before Christ, not the identity of a believer under the New Covenant.
Righteousness, Justification, and Glorification
The message then shifts to explaining what Christ accomplished for believers.
Romans 4:25- "Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification."
Romans 5:1- "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
They explain that believers are declared righteous by faith, not by works. 2 Corinthians 5:21- "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
They emphasize that believers are not trying to become righteous—they already are.
Romans 8:30- "Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called… and whom he justified, them he also glorified."
They explain that glorification means being placed in the same position, nature, and standing as Jesus before the Father.
Identity in Christ and Paul’s Gospel
The pastors emphasize Paul’s teachings, noting how he consistently referred to believers as saints—holy and blameless.
They explain that Paul’s gospel reveals the believer’s true identity: perfected, sanctified, righteous, and complete in Christ. This identity must be understood to live the Christian life effectively.
The Danger of Old Covenant Thinking
They warn that remaining in Old Covenant thinking makes it impossible to believe New Covenant truths. If someone struggles to believe “as He is, so are we,” it is because they are still holding onto old beliefs. They encourage listeners to leave behind the mixture and fully embrace grace.
Living Out New Creation Realities
The pastors explain that understanding union with Christ affects every area of life. Healing, restoration, and renewal flow from this identity.
Romans 8:11- "But if the Spirit of him that raised Jesus from the dead dwell in you… shall also quicken your mortal bodies…"
They explain that the same Spirit that raised Christ now lives in believers and brings life to their bodies.
Union with Christ and Its Benefits
They also discuss provision and prosperity as part of the New Covenant.
2 Corinthians 8:9- "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich."
They explain that this includes material provision and that believers should not feel guilty for expecting God’s blessings. They stress that everything flows from union with Christ—being one with Him.
Final Prayer: Oneness with Christ
The message closes with Jesus’ prayer for unity.
John 17:21-22- "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee… And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them…"
They emphasize that believers are one with Christ just as Jesus is one with the Father. This unity is the foundation of the Christian life.
We hope this article blessed you and helped you see the beauty of living in the New Covenant. As you continue to grow in the understanding that as He is, so are you, may you walk in freedom, confidence, and peace. Share this teaching with others so they, too, can experience the life-changing power of grace.