Not The Same

New Life In Christ

One of my favorite TV shows is "Extreme Makeover-Home Edition." It's a reality show with a team of contractors, designers and workers that go around the country remodeling homes that are run down, all torn up and in need of improvement and change. Each episode features a project that would usually take at least four months, but the entire house is totally and completely rebuilt in seven days. This show believes in the old becoming new. The lives of the families chosen for the project are radically changed forever from being a part of this experience! Having a new home is a gift from the show.


It was revealed to me in the Word that this is what God has done for each of us in Christ Jesus – a makeover. Notice I didn't say He put "make-up" on us. We all know what "make-up" is; it's a substance that makes you look better and after a while it wears off or you have to take it off. No, God did a "re-make" on us – permanent and completely brand new! We've been "rebuilt, remodeled, renovated, renewed, restored and improved" and we've been radically changed! Once you were dead, doomed forever because of your many sins. (Ephesians 2:1, NLT). But God showed His love toward us when we were in that condition. The makeover by the Father that takes place in those who believe and receive His Son begins with new life. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's special favor that you have been saved!) (Ephesians 2:4-5, NLT).

We can't take any credit for the makeover; it was a gift from God. God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (Ephesians 2:8-9, NLT). We were messed up, torn up, with all kinds of "dirt, decay, mold, cracks, holes, leaks, broken pieces and parts" just like those homes on that show. We were in need of a makeover, and the only way it could happen extremely was through CHRIST!

What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old is gone. A new life has begun! All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did. And God has given us the task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19, NLT). So Encourage and remind yourself, and also remember to share it with someone else, "I'm not what I used to be and I don't look like I used to. I've had an extreme makeover!"

Scripture Of The Day: "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." - Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)