"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

Following Jesus isn't just about going to heaven—it's about becoming a new person now. Many people think Christianity is simply about being forgiven so we can go to heaven someday. But this verse shows us something much more exciting: when we follow Jesus, we become "new creations" right now. This means Jesus doesn't just change our future destination; He changes who we are today. Jesus doesn't just save us—He transforms us from the inside out.

God offers real change, not just behavior tips. The world is full of self-help books and videos promising to make us better versions of ourselves. They usually focus on changing our habits or behaviors. Nothing wrong with that, but there is so much more! Notice what Paul says—we become "new creations." This is much deeper than just behaving better. It's about getting a new heart and a new nature. Think of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. It doesn't just get a makeover or learn new habits—it transforms into something completely different. That's a picture of how deep God's transformation goes—not just fixing our outside, but making us new from the inside.

The phrase "old has passed away" means our old identity no longer defines us. Before following Jesus, we might have been known as the angry person, the liar, the bully, the addict, or “put your own description here.” But God says those old labels and patterns no longer have to control us. They're part of what has "passed away." This verse reminded us that past mistakes don't define who we are now. God sees us as a new creation, even when others can't see it just yet.

The transformation doesn't happen all at once but starts immediately. When Paul says, "The new has come," he uses words that show this is already happening, not just something for the future. The moment we start following Jesus, changes begin. Like a seed that sprouts, we may not see the whole tree immediately, but new life is growing. Some changes happen quickly—maybe a bad habit disappears, or we feel peace for the first time. Other changes take years as God works on deeper issues in our hearts. I know I’m still going through cleansing and crafting. The Holy Spirit continues to reveal what I need to let go. And I’ve been a Christian for 35 years and counting. The important thing is that the cleaning process has started.

Jesus transforms our thoughts, not just our actions. One of the first places we notice change is in how we think. Romans 12:2 discusses being "transformed by the renewing of your mind." Before following Jesus, I saw things differently. As I've followed Him, I've seen how He gives me new thoughts—more loving, truthful, and peaceful. Sometimes, I'm about to say something mean, and a new idea will pop into my head: "That's the old way of thinking. That's not who you are anymore." This happens because God's Spirit lives inside us, helping change our thinking patterns. The more we read the Bible and pray, the more our thoughts match God's.

Our emotions change as we follow Jesus. Many of us struggle with overwhelming emotions like anger, fear, jealousy, or sadness. Following Jesus doesn't mean we never feel these emotions, but they start to lose their power over us. New emotions like joy, peace, and love begin to grow stronger. Even when you sometimes feel angry or frustrated, something new happens. You feel God's peace stepping in between your anger and your actions. The fruit of God's Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23 (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) starts growing in our emotional lives.

Our relationships transform when we follow Jesus. One of the most evident signs of becoming a new creation is how our relationships change. We treat people differently—with more kindness, forgiveness, and honesty. Sometimes, we need to make things right with people we've hurt. Other times, we might need to set better boundaries in unhealthy relationships. Following Jesus might lead us to make new friends who encourage our faith rather than pull us down. I know I’ve had my share of these changes, even in my later years. Sometimes, this is what transformation means as God brings us to new journeys and seasons.

Our purpose and what we live for change entirely. Before Christ, we might have lived for popularity, success, money, or fun. As new creations, we discover a more significant purpose—loving God and others and helping people know Jesus. This new purpose brings a deep satisfaction that temporary goals never could. This change in purpose is one of the most meaningful parts of becoming a new creation.

The transformation process continues throughout our lives. Becoming a new creation isn't a one-time event but an ongoing journey. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 3:18 that we "are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another." Think of it like a garden that keeps growing season after season. Some days, you might not see much change. Over time, the difference becomes more evident. There will be setbacks and days when the "old" seems to be winning. But God promises to keep working in us: "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion" (Philippians 1:6). The transformation that starts when we first follow Jesus continues until we see Him face to face.

Godseekers, God's power to transform is available to anyone who follows Jesus. The beautiful truth of this verse is that it applies to "anyone" who is in Christ—not just the super-spiritual people or those with easy lives. No matter your past, struggles, or failures, God's transforming power is available when you follow Jesus. Sometimes, we think, "I'm too broken to change," or "I've been this way too long." But those thoughts underestimate God's power. The same God who created the universe can create something new in you. If you're already following Jesus, look for evidence of He's changing you and thank Him for it. If you haven't started following Him yet, know that a whole new life awaits when you do.

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for the amazing promise that You will make us new creations when we follow Jesus. I don't want to be a slightly better version of my old self—I want the deep transformation that only You can bring. Please continue changing my thoughts, emotions, relationships, and purpose. When I get discouraged about old habits or struggles, remind me that You're not finished with me yet. Help me to cooperate with the work You're doing in me. Thank You. Your power to transform is greater than any problem or pattern in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Personal Reflection

• What is one area in your life where you've seen God transforming you since you started following Jesus? Take a moment to thank Him for this change.
• In what area do you most need to experience transformation right now? Ask God to work deeply in this part of your life.

Step of Faith

Today, I will tell someone I trust about one way God has changed me since I started following Jesus, giving Him credit for the transformation.