According to the Bible, it is something much more remarkable.
Becoming a Christian changes everything. It means more than a change in our eternal destination; it transforms our identity, our relationship with God, our purpose in life, and our hope for the future. The Bible describes it in three words: “a new creation”.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come”
(2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV).
But what does this actually mean? What difference should it make to everyday life?
A New Beginning
As we travel through the Gospel Journey, we discover the Bible's wonderful story. It begins with a perfect creation, explains how sin entered the world, and reveals God's extraordinary plan to rescue humanity through Jesus Christ.
But the gospel does not end with the forgiveness of sins.
When someone trusts Jesus Christ as their Saviour, God does more than remove the record of their sins, thereby clearing their guilt.[1] He gives them an entirely new standing before Him and brings them into a living relationship with Himself.
The God against whom we have sinned offers complete forgiveness. The God who is perfectly holy welcomes believers into His family.
A New Power for Living
Becoming a Christian does not mean that life suddenly becomes easy. Old habits can be difficult to break. Temptation remains real. There are struggles and disappointments, doubts and failures.
So how can someone genuinely live a new life that is pleasing to God?
The answer is one of the most amazing truths of the gospel: God does not expect us to do it alone. The moment someone becomes a Christian, the Holy Spirit comes to live within them.[2]
He is not simply a force or a feeling but a divine Person who helps believers understand God's Word, strengthens them in weakness, guides them in prayer, and gradually transforms their character. The Bible describes the qualities that the Holy Spirit produces in believers: “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22,23 ESV).
A New Family
When we trust Christ, we become part of God’s family – something much bigger than ourselves. The Bible introduces us to church as a community of people who share a common Saviour and new life in Him.
Christians meet to worship God, learn from the Bible, pray together, encourage one another and share the good news of Jesus Christ. They are not perfect people, but they are forgiven people, learning together to follow Christ.
God also gives every believer the opportunity and the ability to serve others. The Christian life is not just about what we receive, but about what we can give.
A New Future
Look around our world and the evidence of brokenness is everywhere. War, suffering, injustice, disease and death all remind us that something has gone terribly wrong.
The Gospel Journey begins with God's original creation, but it ends with something dramatically different: a new heaven and a new earth.
Jesus Christ has already conquered death through His resurrection. One day He will return. Evil will finally be judged, and God will establish a world where righteousness dwells.
The Bible describes a future without death, sorrow, crying or pain. The consequences of sin will be removed, and God's people will enjoy His presence forever. This important aspect of the Gospel depends on the promises of God and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Gospel Journey invites you to explore the Bible’s four great themes: Creation, Fall, Redemption and Restoration. You will discover who God is, why Jesus Christ matters, and what it means to become a new creation in Him. Along the way, you will find answers to life’s biggest questions and discover why the Bible’s message matters to you.
