"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things have passed away: behold, all things have become new." II Corinthians 5:17.
What a statement. What a test as to our new spiritual birth. Is not the Apostle saying if we continue to question whether we have experienced a spiritual re-birth. Not that a Christian will never sin again, but that he will feel guilt and shame when he does. He will adopt a new set of values. Spiritual values are more important to him now than material or fleshly values. He will sense new an nobler purposes for living as he walks hand in hand with Christ, his new Lord and Savior. His life is now focused on loving and serving his Lord and his fellowman.
Another important aspect of the new birth is that of growth and development of our spiritual life. As with physical birth, new born babies must be given nourishing food to sustain life and promote growth. So also must new born babes in Christ be fed on spiritual growth. From it we develop broader and better concepts of God, of Jesus as His Son, of the church as the corporate body of believers in Him, and the deeper meaning of being Christian. By studying it we begin to grasp the depth and intensity of Divine love that created Calvary for our redemption. By it we are inspired to reach up to the holy things, instead of fulfilling our fleshly desires. We find the "narrow road" leads onward and upward above the cesspools of immorality, drugs and crime to live in peace with God, one's self, and our fellowmen.
As a new person in Christ we will find delight in His love and service. We will find strength and inspiration as we sense His presence and sing His praises in worship. We should look forward to the Lord's Day hen we can find spiritual renewal in humble and sincere worship. Worship should never be considered a duty: it is a love tryst with our God and our blessed Savior.
If we are in Christ we will find joy, peace of mind and great comfort in prayer. Sometimes just praising or thanking Him for His love, mercy and patience with us. At other times asking Him for power for Christian living in a sin-loving world, for courage to sand for Him and for righteousness, or for forgiveness when we fail Him.
We will do well to periodically examine ourselves as to the progress we are making toward spiritual maturity.