Counsel #11 — A New Identity

Picture: Counsel #11 — A New IdentityCSL 21.1

It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing our past sins still define us. But God reminds us that in Christ, we are a new creation. The old life of sin is gone and doesn’t define us; our new life in Christ does.CSL 21.2

You can say, "I’m sad that I sometimes give in to temptation, that my prayers feel weak, and my faith falters. But I’m actively seeking to become more like Christ. I have sinned, yet I still love Jesus. I’ve stumbled many times, but He always reaches out His hand to save me. I’ve confessed all my mistakes to Him. I continue looking to the cross knowing He suffered it for me and my sin. Jesus, who never sinned, has forgiven me.^{[21] https://adventistreview.org/magazine-article/2201-50/} He calls and empowers me to a higher, nobler life, and I choose to press on believing His promise to complete the good work He has begun in me.”^{[22]Philippians 1:6}CSL 21.3

“….one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13, 14 NIVCSL 21.4

“It is peace that you need—Heaven’s forgiveness and peace and love in the soul. … God offers it to you as a gift, ‘without money and without price.’ Isaiah 55:1. It is yours if you will but reach out your hand and grasp it.” Ellen White in Steps to Christ, p. 49CSL 21.5

Reflect: What does "forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead" in your Christian walk mean to you?CSL 21.6