Christians who have experienced the new birth and new creation in Christ Jesus must not hesitate to ask, “What is different?” The Christian life is not lived in legalism. Nor is the Christian life license. The Christian life is understood through the liberty of healthy, loving relationship. With a new creation (or re-creation) and all things made new in Christ, how shall we then live?
Live in freedom. Freedom in Christ is not license. Freedom in Christ is not selfish. Freedom in Christ is for all. As I live in Christian liberty I am also willing to allow others freedom. This is the of Christ’s life and love flowing in and through me.
Live according to the Spirit. Life is not merely physical; honor the spiritual element of life. Be spiritual. The presence of God’s Spirit in the life of the Christian is the antidote to license. The presence of God’s Spirit yields the fruits of the Spirit, evidenced in changed attitudes and ways of life.
Live in mutuality. The Christian life depends on reciprocity. Life in the body of Christ is based on sharing.
With the cross of Christ central, what matters is a new creation. The new creation lives out the reality of Christ in new and fresh ways as Christ’s presence permeates the world.
