"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." 2 Corinthians 5:17
A friend sent me this link
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w6YG2NZguc) toa song written and performed by Jason Gray. It is based upon 2 Corinthians 5:17 which tells us that because we are born again, we are new creatures in Christ; "The old things passed away; behold, new things have come."
One of Satan's tricks is to try to discourage new believers by reminding them of their sinful past and that they are not worthy to be one of God's Children. Of course it is true-- We are not worthy and the penalty for sin is death, eternal separation from God in hell. But, God's forgiveness of sins and justification is not based upon our own worthiness or good works; "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law." (Romans 3:28).
Our justification and forgiveness of sins was exclusively accomplished by Jesus Christ who died in our place; "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation (satisfaction) in His blood through faith."(Romans 3:24,25)
Since we are indeed new creatures in Christ, old things are gone and new things have come. Don't let Satan, or anyone else for that matter, take away your joy by focusing on your past sins and failures. Christ died for those sins. They are forgiven and gone forever. By the way, so are all the sins you will commit today and tomorrow; "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."(Romans 5:8)
This is not an excuse for us to sin more. Just the opposite. Now we are free from sin-- empowered, motivated and committed to trust and obey God in everything. Be encouraged Christian... You are new in Christ! Maranatha!
