MONDAY, 24TH NOVEMBER, 2025

Author: Pastor E. A. Adeboye & Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye

MEMORISE: “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

BIBLE READING: JOHN 1:12

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”

INTRODUCTION: THE PROBLEM OF THE ORIGINAL BIRTH

Every person born into this world carries a burden far heavier than any earthly woe: the sinful nature inherited from the first man, Adam. The moment Adam disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, the very DNA of humanity was corrupted. This corruption, often called the Adamic nature, means that every individual is born spiritually separated from God, prone to sin, and under a sentence of condemnation (Romans 5:12). We were born, as the Scripture says, “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). Our identity at birth was that of an alien, an enemy of God, and a captive to the power of darkness.

But hallelujah! Glory be unto Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb of God, who came into this world for a singular, glorious purpose: to die for the world in order to reconcile man with God. He stepped into our condemnation, took our penalty, and offered us His perfect righteousness. This transaction is the greatest exchange in the history of the universe—the exchange of our guilt for His glory.

The moment you genuinely surrender your life to Christ, you are automatically and powerfully translated from the kingdom of darkness into the glorious family of God (Colossians 1:13). This act of receiving Christ initiates a radical, irreversible change—a spiritual rebirth. It is the beginning of a life defined by a New Identity.

I. THE RADICAL REALITY OF THE NEW CREATURE

The memory verse for today is the constitutional declaration of our new life: “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

This verse is not a wish, a hope, or a potential outcome; it is a present reality. The Greek word used here for “creature,” ktisis, literally means a “new creation” or a “fresh act of creation.” The change you experience at conversion is not merely rehabilitation or self-improvement; it is a profound, miraculous re-creation of your inner being by the Holy Spirit. You become, in essence, a brand-new species of humanity—one born of God.

A. A Change of Legal Status (Justification)

The moment a person surrenders his or her life to Jesus Christ, two revolutionary things happen that define their new identity:

Old Things are Passed Away: This refers primarily to your legal status before God. Your past life, the record of your sins, your debt to God’s holiness, and the condemnation that hung over you are all permanently removed. God, in His infinite mercy, declares you “justified”—meaning just as if you had never sinned. This is not simply forgiveness; it is the imputation of Christ’s perfect righteousness upon your account (Romans 4:5). Your legal standing changes from a guilty defendant to a righteous son.

All Things are Become New: This refers to your spiritual reality. A new spirit is placed within you, granting you a new heart and a new disposition toward God and holiness (Ezekiel 36:26). The sinful nature is dethroned, and the Holy Spirit takes residence, giving you the power to live a godly life. Your relationship with God is now fixed. The former chasm of sin is now replaced by a living, intimate communion.

B. The Power to Become Sons of God (John 1:12)

Our Bible reading confirms the second, and arguably greater, aspect of this new identity: “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12).

This is not simply being a servant or a friend of God; it is the privilege of sonship—or daughtership. The word translated power here is exousia in Greek, meaning authority or right. By receiving Jesus, you are given the inherent right to become a member of the Godhead’s family. The Spirit of God within you cries out, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15).

As a son or daughter of God, your identity encompasses:

Heirship: You are joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), inheriting the promises, blessings, and glory reserved for Him.
Divine Protection: You are shielded by the power of the Almighty (Psalm 91).
Access: You have direct, fearless access to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).
Purpose: Your life is now tethered to the eternal plan and purpose of God.

My dear child, this is your new identity. It is a crown of immense value, purchased not with gold, but with the precious blood of the Son of God. Your behaviour, thoughts, and words must align with this majestic, divine status.

II. THE GRAVITY OF REGRESSION: GUARDING THE NEW CREATION

The challenge for every believer, having received this spectacular new identity, is to maintain it. The enemy of your soul, the devil, and the lingering influences of the world will constantly try to lure you back into the old way of living. We must heed the solemn warning embedded in Scripture about the danger of regression.

A.The Peril of Crucifying Christ Afresh

The message warns, “Do not go back to your past errors because if you do, it will mean that you are nailing Jesus to the cross again.” This sobering statement finds its foundation in the book of Hebrews:

“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” (Hebrews 6:4-6)

The spiritual reality is that every time a believer, who has genuinely tasted the power and goodness of God, willfully and habitually returns to the dominion of the sins Christ died to defeat, they are essentially declaring that Christ’s sacrifice was insufficient for that sin. They are, in their actions, treating the cross as a meaningless spectacle, putting Christ to an “open shame” by demonstrating contempt for the price He paid.

To turn back to the past is to embrace the old identity—the identity of the condemned—and to trample upon the blood of the covenant that bought the new identity. We must therefore maintain a healthy, spiritual fear of falling back, not because salvation is conditional upon works, but because genuine salvation fundamentally transforms the will and the desire to sin.

B. The Necessity of Progressive Sanctification

The transition from the old life (justification) to the daily application of the new life is called sanctification. Justification is instantaneous (your status changes); sanctification is progressive (your daily practice changes to match your status).

To stay true to your new identity, you must actively participate in this process. You must consistently tell your body, your emotions, and your mind that they are no longer the master; Christ is. This is the ongoing spiritual warfare: ensuring that the glorious reality of the “new creature” dominates the lingering habit patterns of the “old man.” The Apostle Paul urged us to “put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24).

This is a daily, intentional discipline that requires the implementation of foundational spiritual pillars.

III. PRACTICAL PILLARS FOR SUSTAINING THE NEW IDENTITY

The new identity is sustained not by emotion, but by diligent spiritual habits. For you to remain evergreen in God’s presence and maintain the fullness of your sonship, you must commit to these five essential pillars:

A. Pillar 1: Constant Nourishment in God’s Word

“Study God’s word frequently so that you can be acquainted with His dos and don’ts.”

The Bible is the mirror of our new identity and the blueprint for our new life. The old man lived according to the corrupt instruction of the world; the new creature must live according to the infallible instruction of the Spirit.

Acquisition of Knowledge: You must read the Word to know the will of God. How can your behaviour align with Christ’s if you do not know Christ’s character? The Word teaches you His dos and don’ts (Psalm 119:105).

Cleansing Power: The Word of God is sanctifying. It washes away the filth of the world and continually renovates the mind (Ephesians 5:26). Every time you immerse yourself in the Word, you are strengthening your new spirit and weakening the flesh.

The Spiritual Weapon: The Word is your only offensive weapon in spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:17). You cannot successfully resist the devil’s temptations without the sharp sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

Commit today to a dedicated, frequent study of the Scriptures. Read, meditate, and apply it.

B. Pillar 2: Unbroken Fellowship and Undiluted Teaching

“Attend a Bible-believing church where they teach the undiluted word of God.”

A new identity requires a new family. God never intended for a believer to live in isolation. The church is the Body of Christ, the collective manifestation of the new creation on earth.

Corporate Strength: Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). Fellowship provides mutual encouragement, accountability, and the strength of corporate worship that helps you resist the pull of the world.

Sound Doctrine: It is crucial to attend a church where the undiluted word of God is taught. False doctrines, diluted messages, or worldly philosophies will contaminate your new identity and lead you astray. You must be continually fed with the pure milk and solid food of the Gospel (1 Peter 2:2; Hebrews 5:12-14).

Spiritual Authority: Submitting to spiritual authority and receiving instruction from ordained leaders ensures you walk in order and under divine covering (Hebrews 13:17).

C. Pillar 3: Constant Praise and Worship

“Praise and worship Him constantly.”

Praise is not just a Sunday activity; it is the natural language of the new creature. When you praise God, you are shifting your focus from your problems (the old earthly reality) to the perfection of your God (the new heavenly reality).

Spiritual Alignment: Constant praise and worship create an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit can move freely in your life. It ensures your spirit remains lifted and responsive to God’s guidance.

The Garment of Praise: Praise is a spiritual weapon against the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3). When the devil attempts to bring depression, condemnation, or fear (the hallmarks of the old life), your praise acts as a spiritual counter-attack, reinforcing your identity as a victor in Christ.

Divine Presence: God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). When you praise Him constantly, you are inviting His manifest presence to dwell with you, ensuring your life remains evergreen.

D. Pillar 4: The Ministry of Giving and Generosity

“give to the poor, and give your offerings and tithes to God.”

The new identity is one of generosity, love, and stewardship, replacing the old identity of selfishness and greed. Giving is a powerful act of faith that acknowledges God as the source of all supply.

Tithing and Offerings: Giving your tithes (the first tenth) and offerings is a fundamental act of obedience and worship. It declares that you trust God with your finances and that your resources belong to Him. This ensures that the windows of heaven remain open over your life (Malachi 3:10).

Caring for the Poor: Giving to the poor is an expression of Christ’s love in action. The New Creature is compassionate. When you serve the needy, you are directly serving Christ (Matthew 25:40), demonstrating that the love of God is practically active in your life.

Breaking the Power of Mammon: Generous giving ensures that money and material possessions do not become idols in your heart, thereby protecting you from the sin of idolatry and maintaining your focus on heavenly treasures.

IV. THE CONSUMMATION OF THE NEW LIFE

My dear child, the process of transformation from a condemned sinner to a glorious son of God is the greatest miracle you will ever experience. But this miracle must be fiercely protected and nurtured.

Remember that God’s plan for you is not mediocrity, but exponential glory. He wants you to move from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). Your past, no matter how dark or sinful, is completely and eternally covered by the blood of Jesus. The old things are truly passed away.

You are no longer bound by the sins of your past, the traditions of your fathers, or the curses of your lineage. Your life is hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). Therefore, live boldly! Live righteously! Live in the power and authority that belongs to a son of God!

I strongly encourage you to be completely sold out to the Lord. Being “sold out” means holding nothing back—no time, no talent, no treasure, no ambition. It means yielding your whole being to the dominion of the Holy Spirit and the flawless Word of God.

As you commit to this path of absolute surrender and diligent maintenance of your new identity, may your life remain evergreen—fresh, vibrant, fruitful, and ever-growing in His presence, to the glory of His name, in Jesus’ name.

KEY POINT:

Maintain your new identity by intentionally living as a son of God through obedience, devotion, and daily walking in the Spirit.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Ezekiel 47:1-48:35, 1 Peter 2:11-3:7

HYMN : 60 – MOST ANCIENT OF ALL MYSTERIES

1 Most ancient of all mysteries,

Before Thy throne we lie;

Have mercy now, most merciful,

Most holy Trinity.

2 When heav’n and earth were yet unmade,

When time was yet unknown,

Thou in Thy bliss and majesty

Didst live and love alone.

3 Thou wert not born; there was no fount

From which Thy Being flowed;

There is no end which Thou canst reach;

But ThoU art simply God.

4 How wonderful creation is,

The work which Thou didst bless,

And O what then must Thou be like,

Eternal loveliness!

5 O listen then, most pitiful,

To Thy poor creature’s heart:

It blesses Thee that Thou art God,

That Thou art what ThoU art.

6 Most ancient of all mysteries,

Still at thy throne we lie;

Have mercy now, most merciful,

Most holy Trinity.