Easter—the Promise of Forgiveness: 10 Reflections From Our Daily BreadSample

A New Life

Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! -2 Corinthians 5:17

As the at-risk teenagers took their seats in the youth room, William bowed his head, breathed a silent prayer, then spoke. “Some people don’t let me forget I’ve been in jail,” he said. “Sometimes, I’m the one who doesn’t let me forget all the bad things I’ve done.” He held up his Bible, smiling. “But God says He’s given me a new life. And He’s offering the same gift to you.”

Like William, some of us struggle to feel forgiven and accept that we’re rescued, redeemed, restored—new creations defined by our Savior’s love for us, not by the sins that once bound us. The apostle Paul, who considered himself the worst of sinners (1 Timothy 1:12–17), affirmed that believers in Jesus needed to stop seeing people and Christ from “a human point of view” (2 Corinthians 5:16). As “new people” (or “new creations”) who’ve been reconciled to God through Jesus’ death and resurrection, our sins are no longer-counted against us (vv. 17–19). After having received this new identity, God’s children become living ambassadors for Christ (v. 20). Our past sins can’t trap or tarnish us.

When we focus on our insufficiencies instead of God’s ever-sufficient grace, it’s hard to live like we trust God. But even in that struggle, God can help us see ourselves as redeemed people who are called and empowered to live for Jesus—pointing others to the hope we have in Him.

Xochitl Dixon

When has someone, including yourself, made you believe you’re trapped or tarnished by your past sins? How does Jesus’ sacrifice for your sin and the forgiveness He offers give you hope for the future?

Mighty Jesus, please help me live as if I’ve truly received the new life You’ve given me and encourage others to accept the new life You offer those who place their trust in You.