by Stana Cyran, second year resident

When someone believes in Jesus Christ, much of what happens appears mysterious. The newly believing individual’s friends, family, coworkers – they all see that there is something unseen at hand. Whether we admit it or not, even those of us who study the Bible and what it means to accept Christ can be confounded by certain aspects of becoming a believer. When I became a believer in Jesus Christ, I was thoroughly confused. I didn’t feel any different than I had the moment before I accepted Christ. I couldn’t fly. I had no superhuman powers to speak of. I thought, “Did it work?” “Did I say the prayer in the wrong order?” I was confused. Now, I understand why. It’s because I didn’t understand that I was a new creation.

When someone becomes a believer, there isn’t a physically visible change. You don’t get a badge and you don’t get wings; there’s not even a special handshake. However, when a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, as their way to a right relationship with God, and as their stand-in for the wages of sin, something does happen. It isn’t visible, but the word of God tells us that a new believer is a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). The believer is brand new. The word does not say “bandaged up,” “refurbished” or “scrubbed clean.” God creates something new.

One important aspect of this newness is found in our new calling as believers to become a minister of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:19). Believers are ambassadors, witnesses, light posts for Christ. We have been reconciled to God himself by way of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and we are to share this message with others. If any person believes this message and repents of their sins, that person is saved. Sharing the good news is now our first purpose, our new direction and our ultimate calling as Christ-followers. Believers sharing the gospel is God’s way of making known to mankind the way of salvation. The call of all believers, young and old, is the same: Preach the Gospel and make disciples.

This is actually more than a calling. It’s a command for all believers. God tells us that it is our job to make disciples and baptize them in His name, teaching them to observe all that He has commanded us (Matt. 28:19). Let’s join in the work of God’s heart and the purpose of our new creation – to see all people reconciled back to Him!