WHEN you are born again, you are a new creature. Old things have passed away, everything has become new, says 2 Corinthians 5:17. What does it mean? It means you have become dead to sins and have born again for eternity through Christ. Is that enough? Should one have to be perfect to go to heaven? Most say no because no one is perfect. Yet could a perfectly holy God allow anything less than perfection into His presence? No!
So therefore, yes, you do have to be perfect. But how could this ever be achieved by an imperfect, sinful creation? In Christ, righteousness and perfection are a gift! His declaration is that believers are forever justified – a position that means we are declared righteous. He completely covers our past.
When we are born again, there are 7 things we need to remember.
You Are Justified
Romans 5:1 — “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Also see Romans 3:24; 8:30; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Titus 3:7.)
You Are Righteous
Philippians 3:8-9 — “… in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.” (Also see Romans 3:22; 5:17; 10:3-4; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21.)
You Are Sanctified
1 Corinthians 1:30 — “And because of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us … sanctification and redemption …” (Also see 1 Corinthians 6:11; Hebrews 10:10.)
You Have Been Made Perfect
Hebrews 10:14 — “For by a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” (Also see Hebrews 10:1-2 for the results of being made perfect.)
You Are Accepted
Ephesians 1:5-6 — “… he predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace, with which He has blessed us in the Beloved.” (Also see 1 Peter 2:5.)
You Are Forgiven
Colossians 2:13 — “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses.” (Also see Colossians 1:14; 3:13; Ephesians 1:7; 4:32.)
You Are Complete
Colossians 2:10 — “You have been filled in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority.”
Related Reading: 10 things a Christian should know | 10 prayers a Christian leader should make
