Happy New Year! The new year offers better opportunities, fresh starts, and second chances. New is something everyone wants. As I was shaving the other day I noticed the word “new” on the shaving lotion bottle. I looked at the hand soap and it said “new” as well. It made me wonder how many products in my house had the word “new” on them. That three letter word “new”, sometimes accompanied by “improved”, was everywhere and on most of the products in my home. I began to think about how many things promise something new and also how quickly new wears off. From a new car, new home, or new clothes, nothing remains new long. And when new gets old we search for new again.

Did you know when God makes things new they don’t become worn out, dated, or old? 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Just what “old” has gone? Your past sins. Not only are they forgiven but they are forgotten by God. You may ask, “How does the God who knows everything forget something?” Because He’s all powerful as well. Psalm 103:12 says He separates our sins as far as the east as from the west. How far is that? And why didn’t He say “as far as the north is from the south”? We have a most northern and a most southern point (North and South Poles). If you went south till you reached the South Pole and kept going you’d turn North. Then, if you kept going north till you reached the North Pole and passed it you’d start going south. North and South meet. That’s not true about East and West. There is no East or West Pole. You could go east or west around the world millions of times and still east and west would never touch.

Why is this significant? If the Scripture had said, “As far as north is from the south” then you and I would eventually meet up with our sins again. It wouldn’t really be gone because we’d meet up with it again. But God’s forgiveness is eternal. When He gives you a brand new life apart from the sins of your past He means it. Now, can you be tempted with your old sins again? Sure. But just remember you are forgiven and free from that sin. Don’t turn around and live in the old life apart from Christ anymore. You are a new creation in Christ. “We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” (Romans 6:2). Jesus really makes all things new. One day everything will become new and never lose its splendor. Revelation 21:4 says, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” What a day that will be! That’s the eternal new of Heaven we all long for. The next verse tells us, “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” Only the one on the throne of the Universe and Heaven can make EVERYTHING new. And the best part is we can trust His promises of an ultimate, eternally new and improved life. He is making all things new!