What about a new car? When you take it out for the first time, it seems so responsive, the engine hums, and the interior is extra plush and comfortable. In life we are constantly changing old for new. The old requires constant repair; eventually we change… it is time for something new! A decision we make with no regrets.

In our lives we are frequently getting something new to replace the old. Not just cars, it could be furniture, household appliances and of course our clothes. Every time the feeling is the same; we feel so good as we get the new. It looks good and we enjoy!

It reminds me of the spiritual side of our lives which also needs newness. We explore therapies which we hope will increase our ability to be a better person. But Jesus spoke of the futility of trying to repair clothing by sewing new cloth on to old… it doesn’t work! The inner fabric of our nature needs to be changed.

God has given us an incredible new gift to replace the old. It is RIGHTEOUSNESS, the most powerful transformation a human being can have. When God remakes us in Christ, he is exchanging the old model for a new one. Forgiven yes, but a real structural change takes place as we actually receive the nature of God.

Ref. Matthew 9:16, Romans 1:17, 2Cor. 5:17. NIV.