Beautiful Gospel Promises
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
There are many beautiful and powerful things to behold in life. A bride’s ascension to the groom. A doe with her yearling peacefully gazing. A sunrise on the Atlantic Ocean. A mother and child united with a father after a long deployment.
“Christ Has cleansed us by washing us with His blood, and has communicated this cleansing to us through baptism. -John Calvin”
In the life of God’s people, the Local church, there is beauty and power to behold. You see diversity of people from different backgrounds united together [Ephesians 2:11-22]. We see sacrificial service and unity among the people of God [Acts 4:32-37]. One of the most beautiful and powerful things to behold is public baptism. A public baptism is beautiful and powerful because it is a visual consummation of a person losing their old identity and receiving a new one [2 Corinthians 5:17].
A New Identity “In Christ”
The “In Christ” motif of the New Testament is the most prolific and prominent identification for followers of Jesus. It’s a liberating Gospel truth and it’s a better deal than we realize. Jesus always delivers upon what He promises, which is the exact opposite of sin. Sin always overpromises and underdelivers.
“Jesus always delivers upon what He promises, which is the exact opposite of sin. Sin always overpromises and underdelivers.”
We are always looking for a good deal. I’ve searched online for months trying to find a good deal on Apple’s AirPods. A good deal for me typically consists of something that costs me little. In Christ you get better than a good deal, you get a a whole new identity. In Christ, we have received incredible promises that empower us to live fully and faithfully unto God.
Four Gospel Promises
In Christ, you have freedom from all guilt and are the recipient of forgiveness that affords relationship with God.
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
In Christ, you are freed from all shame because you have a Heavenly Father who favors you the very same way He favors God the Son.
And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:11
In Christ, you received God with us and God in us, by the Holy Spirit, Who makes His dwelling inside of you.
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. John 16:7
In Christ, you have been freed from the feelings of loneliness because He promises He would never leave you or forsake you.
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5