Class 1/
THE NEW CREATURE.

INTRODUCTION
The term “new creature” is directly from scriptures (2 Cor 5:17), and describes the new man in Christ, that is, one who is born again. This new creature has a new life and therefore a new nature. This class will discuss some of the implications and realities of this. And by the end every participant should have a foundational understanding and acceptance that he is a new creature with a life and nature that is from God, and is superior to defeat or failure, and is for glory and virtue (2 Pet 1:3) and to display the virtues and perfections of God (1 Pet 2:9 Ampc).

SOME IMPORTANT READ-OUT SCRIPTURES
2 Cor 5:17-18, Rom 6:4, Eph 2:10 (Ampc), 2 Pet 1:3, 1 Pet 2:9 (Ampc)

UNDERSTANDING Jn 3:16
This glorious statement by the Lord Himself, contains vital truths that you must accept and never forget.
Firstly, "...hosoever believes in Him should not perish...”
If you believe in Jesus, you are forever separated from those that should perish. It is a law! You are forever separated from those that should fail, or be destroyed, or be victims, or be defeated! You are now in a new category. You have been “delivered” from the domain of darkness where all such things happen, and translated into the kingdom of His dear Son (Col 1:13).
You will never be ashamed; nothing can put you to shame or embarrass you again (Rom 10:11). You have received a life of glory and virtue (2 Pet 1:3).
This is a permanent truth. But you have to accept it and walk in it.
Secondly, "...but have everlasting life” Now that you believe in Jesus and have received Him as your personal Lord and Saviour, you have received something.

What have you received?
1. Eternal Life (1 Jn 5:11-12)
2. Righteousness (Rom 5:18-19)
3. Fellowship with God (1 Jn 1:3, Jn 17:21)

The most amazing of all 3 is the Fellowship with God. This was the reason for the eternal life which is same life the Father has, and for Righteousness which is the nature of God. Now, you can have Fellowship with God. Hallelujah!
LET US DISCUSS FURTHER
1. 2 Cor 5:17-18 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a NEW CREATURE, old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. and all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation” Observe the following points from these verses;
i. The New Creature is totally new; a new species without a past.
ii. His new life comes directly from God (Jn 1:12-13)
iii. You are to “behold” ie look, notice, accept that all things are become new!
iv. The new things are of God. So don’t accept anything that is not of God. Failure is not of God. Sickness is not of God. Accept only the things that are of God. All good and perfect things! (James 1:17)
v. Notice that not only did He save us and reconcile us to Himself, but He also gave us a ministry to reconcile others to Him. We will discuss this some more in Class 4a
2. Eph 2:8 “ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast”.

Your salvation is by Grace. It is of God. No man qualified you for it and no man can disqualify you. You now have abundance of grace to enjoy the beautiful life and reign in life by Jesus Christ (Rom 5:17, Eph 2:4-5; Rom 3:24)
Always remember that you received your salvation by faith and confession, according to Rom 10:9-10. You don’t need to do anything more to receive salvation. Furthermore, through faith in Christ, you are now justified (Rom 5:1-2). We will discuss this further in Class 3.
Two proofs of the certainty of our Salvation are:
(a) The word of God (Roml0:9-10, 1 Jn 5:11-13)
(b) The witness of the Holy Spirit in our hearts (Rom 8:16)

Our feelings have nothing to do with this. So your feelings don’t decide for you whether you are saved or not. Just like whether you feel it or not, your brain is working.
3. Now, from scriptures we know that man is a spirit, he has a soul and lives in a body (1 Thess 5:23). As a new creature you received eternal life in your spirit. You now have to renew your mind by feeding on the word of God (Rom 12:2). This renewal takes place in your mind and is capable of transforming your whole life.

Col 3:10 “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” so we see that as we study and grow in the Word, and exercise ourselves in godliness which is our nature, we are renewed in the image of Christ, and bear the fruits of the recreated human spirit found in Gal 5:22-23.
ALSO NOTE THAT:
The new creation is complete in Christ (Col 2:9-10)
He is now in God’s Kingdom, a citizen of God’s Kingdom (Col 1:13, Jn 17:14)
He sits in the place of power in Christ (Eph 2:6, Eph 1:20-21)
He is a carrier of God’s divine presence in the world today (Col 1:27; Eph 2:22; 1 Cor 6:19) He is indestructible (1 Pet 1:23)

CONCLUSION
As a new creation, you belong to the family of God. You are a joint-heir with Christ. Your salvation is by grace, no one qualified you and no one can disqualify you. Your life is now one of continuous victory and success.
TAKE HOME ASSIGNMENT FOR CLASS 1
1. Explain your understanding of “if any man be in Christ he is a new creation” as stated in 2 Cor 5:17 using yourself as an example.
2. Will I be continually assured of my salvation despite what I feel or see?

STUDY MATERIAL BEFORE CLASS 2
BOOKS
Now That You Are Born Again
Recreating Your World
MESSAGES
Jesus
The Overcoming Life
MEMORY VERSE
2 Cor 5:17