2 Corinthians 5:16-17
From now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
I don’t know about you, but I love weddings. There is energetic music, awkward dancing, contagious laughter, funny toasts, and a massive cake. It’s such a special experience. Plus, it’s the only time I get to do the Cupid Shuffle. The ceremony is all about love, but it’s not what caused the couple’s love. The wedding is an overflow of their love, but it’s not the object of their love. The same is true for baptism. It’s a celebration of the love you’ve already experienced.
Baptism is so much more than a ceremony; it’s a celebration. When someone surrenders their life to Jesus, it’s a reason to throw a party. Your baptism is a powerful picture of the new life that God has given you. This is why Paul exclaims, “the old has gone and the new is here!” There aren’t a lot of exclamation marks in Scripture, but you will find one in this verse. You can hear the celebration in the Apostle’s voice as he writes these words. Your new life isn’t just a reason to be happy — it’s a reason to throw a full-fledged party.
What do you do at a wedding? You invite your friends and family to join in on your joy. The same is true for a baptism service. You should want to celebrate with people you love. So spread the word! Tell everyone you know. Post that picture on every social network you have. God’s work within you should overflow around you.
The old is gone. That means that God’s breaking down anything that’s holding you back from who He wants you to be. It’s gone, it’s done, it’s finished. God wants to do something new in you.
Something new in your friendships.
Something new in your emotional health.
Something new in the present.
Something new in the future.
God gave you a new life. Let’s celebrate.