A New Creation Who Died with Christ

Does sticking nuts to a tree make it a nut tree? Or does tying lemons to its branches make it a lemon tree? In the same way, practising good moral habits doesn’t make one a Christian. It has to come from within – from the heart of a person who can truly testify that he belongs to Christ and becomes a new creation.
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This is how lecturer Jacques Malan of Mukhanyo started the teaching on Saturday 20 August at a seminar held at the KwaMhlanga campus. This seminar was the second entitled: Christian Character. It was based on one of the modules of Mukhanyo’s FOCUS programme. The second speaker was Rev. Paul Mahlangu, also a Mukhanyo lecturer.

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In the various sessions, different points were discussed. The fruit of the Spirit was explained as well as the importance of the cross of Christ and the effect on a Christian’s life. The cross changes everything in the world; only this sacrifice of Christ can change lives!

In the Bible, Paul said he was teaching nothing else than Christ and Him crucified. We should do the same and not get tired of it. Christ’s death on the cross not only saves, but it also changes the character of a person who is born again. Galatians 2:20 tells us that a child of God should be crucified with Him which prompts us to a life of self-denial, thanksgiving and service that points others to our Saviour.

It was also emphasised that Christians don’t automatically become spiritually mature at their salvation – their growth is an indication they have and still are experiencing God’s power in their life.