Debt Reconciliation

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. --2 Corinthians 5:17, 18 (NIV)

When we moved to our new house, we acquired a phone number that had been previously in use by a number of different folks. Apparently, some of them were not very good at paying off debts. Collection agencies and creditors frequently call. We've spent months explaining that we are not the person whom they seek.

When a person is in Christ, he is a new creation. His formerly sinful nature is replaced by a desire to obey God. The strength to do so comes from the Holy Spirit. When a person repents of his sins, God forgives them and wipes them out of the record once and for all. All of a person's debts of sin are taken on by Jesus, and he pays them.

However, the enemy tries to undermine the work of the Holy Spirit and of Christ. The evil one takes great pleasure in reminding us of our sinful past, and tries to make us believe that we are still in great debt. Our lack of faith makes us think that payment will be exacted from us. This can weigh us down and interfere with our ability to praise God with our whole hearts.

In those times of insecurity, we must remember that our debts have been reconciled. There is now no condemnation for those who serve the Lord. We have been forgiven, and nothing can change that. We are right with God, and in his eyes, we are a new creation. That is a reality worthy of rejoicing!

Reflecting Pool:

What do you do when your past catches up with you?
Do you experience the joy that comes from being a new creation in Christ?