One of the most powerful truths in the Bible is found in 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV): “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This verse captures the essence of what it means to be saved—to be transformed by the power of God into something entirely new. But what does this transformation look like? How can we maintain the “newness” of our faith, and what happens if that freshness begins to fade?

When we accept Christ as our Savior, we are not merely given a fresh start or a clean slate; we are made new. This is not just a symbolic change but a profound, spiritual transformation. Our old self, with its sinful desires and habits, is crucified with Christ, and we are raised to new life in Him.

Romans 6:4 (NIV) says, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” This new life is characterized by a new heart, new desires, and a new purpose. We are no longer slaves to sin but are now children of God, empowered by His Spirit to live in righteousness.

The Bible is filled with examples of individuals whose lives were radically changed after encountering God:

1. Saul to Paul: Perhaps the most famous example is Saul, a man who persecuted Christians, even overseeing the stoning of Stephen. But after encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus, Saul was transformed into Paul, one of the greatest apostles and missionaries of the early Church. Acts 9:17-18 (NIV) recounts this moment: “Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized.”
2. Mary Magdalene: Mary Magdalene was a woman from whom Jesus cast out seven demons. Her life was completely transformed by her encounter with Christ, and she became one of His most devoted followers. Mark 16:9 (NIV) says, “When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons.”
3. The Prodigal Son: In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus tells the parable of the prodigal son, who squandered his inheritance in wild living. But when he came to his senses and returned to his father, he was welcomed back with open arms and restored to his position as a son. This story is a powerful illustration of the new life we receive when we return to God.

While the transformation we experience at salvation is real and powerful, it requires a daily decision to leave the old behind and embrace the new. Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV) instructs us, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

This means that we must be intentional about rejecting the old ways of sin and living according to the new nature we have received in Christ. This is not always easy. The old life may still call to us, and the habits and patterns of our past can be hard to break. But through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome these temptations and walk in the newness of life that God has given us.

One of the challenges of the Christian life is maintaining the “newness” of our faith. When we first come to Christ, everything is fresh and exciting. We feel a deep sense of joy, peace, and purpose. But over time, the excitement can begin to fade, and we may find ourselves struggling to keep that sense of newness alive.

The reality is that this fading is not because Christianity is inherently boring or only exciting when it’s new. Rather, it often happens because we become complacent, distracted, or disconnected from the source of our newness—our relationship with God.

So how do we keep the newness of our faith alive? Here are a few practical ways:

1. Daily Communion with God: Just as a fire needs fuel to keep burning, our faith needs regular nourishment. This comes through daily time spent in prayer, reading the Bible, and worship. Psalm 1:2-3 (NIV) describes the person who delights in God’s Word: “But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”
2. Fellowship with Other Believers: Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) encourages us, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Fellowship with other believers helps us stay accountable, encouraged, and spiritually strong.
3. Serving Others: One of the best ways to keep our faith vibrant is by serving others. When we pour out what God has poured into us, we find that our own spiritual life is refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
4. Repentance and Renewal: When we recognize that we have fallen back into old ways or that our faith has grown cold, we need to repent and seek renewal from God. 1 John 1:9 (NIV) promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” God is always ready to restore us and renew our hearts.

Does the Shine Wear Off?

It’s important to understand that the shine of our faith doesn’t have to wear off. If it does, it’s often a sign that we have drifted away from the practices that keep our relationship with God fresh and vibrant. Christianity is not just exciting when it’s new; it’s a lifelong journey of discovering deeper layers of God’s love, grace, and purpose.

When we feel that the excitement is fading, we need to examine our hearts and ask ourselves if we are still pursuing God with the same passion and commitment as when we first believed. The good news is that God is always ready to renew us and restore the joy of our salvation (Psalm 51:12, NIV).

The promise of 2 Corinthians 5:17 is not just for the moment of our salvation; it’s for our entire Christian journey. Every day, we have the opportunity to live as new creations, leaving the old behind and embracing the new life that God has given us.

If you find yourself struggling to maintain the newness of your faith, remember that God is always ready to renew your heart and restore your passion. Keep seeking Him, keep growing in your relationship with Him, and keep embracing the newness of life that He offers. Christianity is not just a momentary experience; it’s a lifelong adventure of transformation, discovery, and growth in the love and grace of God