4. How does newness and growth in the Christian’s life begin?

Jesus told Nicodemus, “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Without the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit, the Christian life cannot even begin! We need the Spirit to “create in us a new heart” (Psalms 51:10) and teach us what is truth.JTL17 6.1

It is the Spirit that convicts us of sin and our need of a Savior. He helps us understand that there is a judgment to come and points out the consequences of our actions if we are not covered by Christ’s righteousness.JTL17 6.2

The transforming power of the Spirit in our lives teaches us what it means to be sons and daughters of God, to belong to His family by His choice and ours. It is also through the Spirit that Christ abides in us and gives us new life in Him, where we grow day by day in righteousness.JTL17 6.3

But it is the blood of Christ that assures us of forgiveness from sin, freedom from guilt, and casts the seed for newness of growth. One of the first benefits of acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice at the cross in our behalf is reconciliation with God. Because of what Jesus did on the cross for us, we are able to stand before God without sin and without fear. That which separated and estranged us from God has been dealt with. Jesus has provided a new way for us to come into the very presence of God! In His presence we cannot remain the same.JTL17 6.4