The New Life in Christ

Man is born sinful and this sinful nature of man remains with him until he transits into a new life governed by holiness. Christ came into the world and shed his blood on the cross so that those who accept him as Lord might obtain salvation. Paul, in Romans 6:1-4; Colossians 3:1 -17, talks about the new life in Christ.

Paul’s teaching on the New Life in Christ

Paul, in his letter to the Romans, teaches that those who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death. They were buried with Jesus in baptism so that as he was raised from the death, they can walk in newness of life. The implication of this is that those who “died to sin” (Christians) should not continue to live in sin. He went on to urge the Roman Christians not to yield to sin since they were no longer under the law but grace.

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul advised the Colossian Christians to look/focus on the things that are above and not on the things on earth because they have been raised with Christ. He made a distinction between the old life and the new life in Christ by presenting the characteristics of the two states of existence.

Paul was of the view that the old life has the following features: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, idolatry, anger, wrath, malice, slander, lies and foul talk etc. He reminded his audience that on account of the above life of sin, the punishment of God was coming. Paul advised the Colossian Christians to put away these vices and put on the new nature, rooted in the knowledge of God. He stated that God’s kingdom makes no distinction between Jew or Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, slave or freeborn, but Christ is everything.

Furthermore, he encouraged them to put on the following features of the new life: holiness, love, compassion, lowliness (humility), meekness, kindness, patience etc. The Colossian Christians should allow the peace of Christ to rule their hearts and for the word of God to dwell in them abundantly. Finally, they should cultivate the habit of praising God through songs and letting their actions be based in the name of the Lord Jesus as this glorifies God.

Significance of Paul’s teaching on the New Life in Christ

1.      Baptism marks a movement from the old life of sin to a new life of holiness.

2.      The role of Jesus (through the Holy Spirit) in helping Christians to live a Godly life (new life) is highlighted in the teaching. Christians must rely on the name of Jesus (and the Holy Spirit) to live this new life.

3.      The new life is a life of practical manifestation of good virtues and Christ-like character. In other words, Christians must manifest the presence of God in their lives by acting right.

4.      Christians have victory over sin when they partake of the new life in Christ.

5.      The new life is achieved by believing that Christ is the Son of God who died for the sins of man, resurrected and ascended into heaven.