“I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in Me will live, even though they die.” John 11:25

Today many TV shows offer new life in interesting ways: Tear down a  family’s old house, and build them a beautiful new one. Throw away a person’s old clothes, and give them thousands of dollars for a new look. Weight loss schemes. How about free cosmetic surgery? The promise in all these things, is not just a makeover but a new life. Those things are OK… and sometimes get us out of our little ruts - but do they really bring the joy that people crave?

The new life Jesus speaks of goes much deeper.  In this life we’re stressed out - worried about finances - obsessing over our bodies - anxious about our families - troubled by the troubles of life.  But listen to this, Romans 6:16-17:

 “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.  Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” 

In light of eternity, the forever promises of God kinda puts our present experience into perspective. If we are His children...then we are HEIRS OF GOD! So the real question is, are we a child of God?  To that end we need to ask this question about this new life Christ offers:

Do I trust in Jesus as my Savior? If I admit to God that I am a sinner, deserving only punishment, and if I have faith that by his death on the cross Jesus paid for my sin, then God’s promises are mine, and so is new life.

So… now that I am His child - Jesus is the Lord of my life. I surrendered my wants and choices to Jesus’ will and what He wants of me. I cultivate a lifestyle in which the character of Christ is demonstrated... I pledge myself to grow in knowing God.  As His child - Jesus empowers me by His Spirit to live and do these things, to the glory of God. Oh, and by the way we are heirs of God!