Old Masquerading as New

Old Masquerading as New

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

I read a true story about a gay couple that met with the Pastor of a large church. The couple told the pastor, "We want to get baptized. But you need to know that we are gay, and we will not be making any lifestyle changes." To me this sounds like the same obstinacy of people that claim to follow God but refuse to give up racism, hate or any other old sinful ways. How can we claim to be with Christ and continue on a path of sin?

If we have become a new creation in Christ (a human with the Holy Spirit living inside), then the moment will inevitably come where we will need to abandon our old sin behaviors. Andrew, Peter and the “Thunder Brothers” dropped their nets and followed when Christ called (Matthew 4:18-22). Levi the tax man left his business and followed Christ (Mark 2:13-14). Saul (a.k.a. Paul) left a life of religious zeal (and murder) and followed Christ. You can't be a new creation in Christ and still be the same old you. Take off the old self and put on the new says the scripture (Colossians 3:7-10). That is, make every effort and allow God to do His part in making you like Him.

No one puts on new clothes over their old filthy ones. It doesn't make much sense. But it is what many people attempt on a regular basis. Put on humility (1 Peter 5:5). Clothe yourself with Christ (Romans 13:14). Put on the righteousness of the Lord and live a new life, the one He calls us to.