Bible verses referenced
-Ephesians 1:6
"To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved."
– Colossians 1:12
"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the saints' inheritance in light."
– Ephesians 1:7
"In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace."
– Romans 1:16
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
– Romans 6:4-5
"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: like Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. If we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall also be in the likeness of his resurrection."
– Galatians 2:20
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
– John 1:12-13
"But as many as received him, to them gave he the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor the will of man, but 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 5:16-17
"Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
– Romans 6:14
"For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Gift of Grace: God's Rescue Plan
- The Difference Between the Covenants
- Redemption and Forgiveness Through Jesus
- Living in Newness of Life
6. Restoration in Christ
Introduction
In this powerful teaching, Pastor Lenny dives into the life-changing truths found in 2 Corinthians 5:16-17. The message emphasizes the transformative power of God's grace and the significance of living as a new creation in Christ. By comparing the Old and New Covenants, Pastor Lenny reveals how believers are redeemed, restored, and accepted through Jesus, without any work of their own.
The Gift of Grace: God's Rescue Plan
Grace is the foundation of our salvation, described as God's eternal gift to humanity. As mentioned in Ephesians 1:6, believers are "accepted in the beloved," a status that comes not through works but through faith in Jesus Christ.
Pastor Lenny highlighted the everlasting nature of God's gift:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Just as a parent does not take back a gift given to a child, God never revokes His gifts.
The Difference Between the Covenants
A key point in the message is the contrast between the Old Covenant of Works and the New Covenant of Grace. Under the Old Covenant, individuals were required to perform certain tasks to maintain a right standing with God. However, the New Covenant shifts the focus entirely to Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross.
Romans 6:14 declares, “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” This new relationship is based solely on faith in Jesus, as Ephesians 1:7 assures us of “redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”
Redemption and Forgiveness Through Jesus
The concept of redemption underscores the cancellation of sin and restoration through Christ's sacrifice. As explained in Colossians 1:12-14, believers are delivered from darkness and translated into the kingdom of Christ.
Forgiveness, Pastor Lenny emphasized, involves God seeing sins as though they were never committed. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12). This powerful truth inspires believers to live boldly in their identity as children of God.
Living in Newness of Life
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the believer’s new life. Romans 6:4-5 states that just as Christ was raised, we too walk in newness of life. This restored life is characterized by righteousness, holiness, and freedom from condemnation.
Galatians 2:20 captures the believer’s union with Christ: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” Pastor Lenny emphasized that the believer's identity is entirely renewed, enabling them to experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit daily.
Restoration in Christ
Restoration is the ultimate goal of God's work in us. Romans 8:11 explains how the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead revitalizes our mortal bodies, restoring us spiritually and physically. Pastor Lenny reminded listeners that this restoration is not just a future promise but a present reality for all who believe.
2 Corinthians 5:16-17 encapsulates this truth: “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Through faith, believers embrace their new identity and live as a reflection of God's grace.
FAQ
Q1: What does it mean to be a "new creature" in Christ?
Being a new creature means living in the reality of God's grace, where old sinful habits, guilt, and condemnation are replaced with righteousness, holiness, and freedom through faith in Jesus.
Q2: How does the New Covenant differ from the Old Covenant?
The Old Covenant required work and adherence to the law to maintain a right standing with God. The New Covenant, established through Jesus, is based entirely on grace, where salvation and blessings are gifts received through faith.
Q3: Why is grace described as a gift?
Grace is unearned and undeserved. It is given freely by God, just as Ephesians 2:8-9 explains, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”
Q4: How does restoration work in a believer’s life?
Restoration involves God making believers whole—spiritually and physically. Romans 8:11 assures us that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead revitalizes our mortal bodies, empowering us to live victoriously.
Q5: How can believers grow in their identity in Christ?
Believers grow by meditating on God’s Word, understanding their identity as described in verses like Ephesians 1:6 and Romans 6:14 and relying on the Holy Spirit to lead them into all truth.