FINLANDIA SCHOOLMeaning of New Life
New life means a fresh beginning that God gives to a person who believes in Jesus Christ. It means turning away from sin and beginning to live in a way that pleases God.
Before receiving a new life, a person may live in sin, disobedience, anger, stealing, lying, and other bad behaviours. But when the person accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, God forgives the person’s sins and makes him or her a new person.
The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17,
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
This means the old sinful life is gone, and a new righteous life begins.
How God Gives Us a New Life
God gives us a new life through:
1. Repentance
Repentance means being truly sorry for our sins and deciding not to continue in them.
The Bible says in Acts 3:19,
“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.”
When we repent, God forgives us.
2. Believing in Jesus Christ
We must believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died for our sins.
In John 3:16, the Bible says:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Believing in Jesus brings eternal life.
3. Being Born Again
Jesus explained new life in John 3:3:
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Being born again does not mean entering the mother’s womb again. It means spiritual rebirth — a change in the heart.
4. Baptism
Baptism is an outward sign that shows a person has received a new life in Christ.
Signs of a Person with a New Life
A person who has received a new life:
Such a person begins to produce good fruits as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.