A New Lifestyle: It is Possible with Christ

When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”

Matthew 19:25 NIV

Do you ever imagine? “How can one possibly live perfectly in this new nature that God is calling us to put on“? Truth be told, this new lifestyle is not as easy as shooting fish in a barrel. And it would never be as long as we are trying to figure it out by our strength and wisdom. As long as we are trying to redefine “what this new lifestyle should look like” and “how to live it out” it would only remain a mission impossible.

I perceive that such thought was also bothering the disciples as Jesus spoke to the man who inquired about what he must do to get eternal life. So, Jesus turned to the disciples to expound to them his instruction to the man.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you; it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again, I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

Matthew 19:23-24 NIV

After hearing this, the disciples could no longer hold their peace. It seemed as if they unconsciously burst into spilling out the thought that has been troubling them all this while. So, they asked. “Who then can be saved?” (v25). Who shall be able to keep up with this new life? But Jesus, in all willingness to satisfy their thirst and fill their hunger looked into their eyes. He replied to them (and I believe He is also speaking to us even today).

Looking into their eyes, Jesus replied, “Humanly speaking, no one, because no one can save himself. But what seems impossible to you is never impossible to God!”

Matthew 19:26 TPT

God does not expect that any human being would conclude with himself and by himself to become a Christian. Neither does He expect that we would be able to live up to His standard “humanly speaking”. Salvation is not possible without the hearing of the word of God. Likewise, it would not be possible that anyone would live a righteous life humanly speaking without the Holy Spirit. But God, who has called you out of darkness into His light is able both to keep you alive in Him and to help you live in the way that is pleasing and acceptable unto Him.

But the LORD said to Moses, “Don’t limit my power! You will see that I can do what I say I can do.”

Numbers 11:23 ERV

In conclusion, the pursuit of a new lifestyle in Christ, marked by love, forgiveness, and alignment with God’s will, may seem daunting at times. We might wonder how it’s possible to live up to this high standard. Just as the disciples questioned, “Who then can be saved?” in the face of Jesus’ teachings, we too may question our ability to live in this new nature.

However, it’s crucial to remember that living this new life isn’t solely reliant on our human effort and understanding. Jesus reassures us that while it might seem impossible from a human perspective, nothing is impossible for God. He doesn’t expect us to become Christians or live righteously by our own strength. Salvation and righteous living are possible through God’s grace and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

As Moses learned when facing challenges in the wilderness, we should never limit God’s power. With the Lord’s help, not only salvation is possible but also the grace to live a lifestyle that pleases Him. Therefore, let us embrace a daily journey of intimacy with the Spirit, allowing God to work within us and produce a new lifestyle of righteousness. In His strength, we find the ability to live out the calling and identity we have in Christ.