“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV).
A few years ago, a very dear friend and I launched an online support group for women who have come out of false teaching. As we have come alongside them and helped them process very hurtful and confusing situations, we have seen the damage of spiritual manipulation, error, and sin in their lives. We utilize Zoom to facilitate monthly meetings online with women all over the globe whose lives have been touched by deception in some way, but by the mercy of God, their eyes have been opened to the lies that they were believing; They have been “snatched from the flames” of false teaching and even cult-like groups.
Our ultimate desire is to ensure that each woman in our group finds a sound, Biblical church in her area where she can find intimate Christian friendships as well as spiritual protection and edification from godly shepherds. Our heart is to meet these women where they are, help them realize they are not alone on the journey, and point them to the truth as they untangle the lies they have embraced, some for many decades of their lives. Truthfully, we desire to make disciples as Christ has commanded us to do (Matthew 28).
In a recent meeting, the group was asked whether they struggled with the tension of their position as born-again believers and the possibility that they might still sin, since some of the ladies believed the lie that they could lose their salvation, which scripture does not support. One sister said she experienced deep doubt when she looked in the mirror because she had tattooed much of her body, which she regretted greatly, done with a rebellious heart. She questions her love for Jesus every time she looks in the mirror. I reminded her that the accuser of the brethren loves to shame us.
Many of us could relate to her struggle, since we experience consequences for our actions this side of eternity. Even if we do not have physical reminders like a tattoo, we have memories that often bring shame and condemnation if we do not renew our minds with the truth of God’s word that says we are forgiven and made new in Christ. My sweet friend quoted Romans 8:1 to encourage the ladies, and the verse that came to my mind in that moment was:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV).
The gift of this new life in Christ is not dependent on anything you have done or not done; It is dependent upon Christ’s finished work on the cross. If you are in Him, you have died with Him and have experienced the new birth- you have become born again!
How often has the enemy tried to bring up your past to shame you or condemn you? I offered this opportunity to the women in our meeting. I offer it to you too: when you are reminded of your rebellious and sinful past, or when you sin again and repent, instead of allowing shame and condemnation to overwhelm you, use that moment as an opportunity to pause and praise the Lord for your new life in Him. Thank Him for His saving and sanctifying grace that is changing you as you see yourself as a new creation day by day. He has made you a new creation! He has regenerated your heart, turning it from a heart of stone into a heart of flesh, given you the gift of the Holy Spirit to dwell inside you, and is making you new with each step! Your old ways have been buried with Christ, and you have been given new life in Him and new affections by His grace. Instead of hanging your head in shame, the next time you are reminded of your shortcomings and failures, lift your eyes heavenward and lift your hands in praise to the Savior, thanking Him for the gift of becoming a new creation for His glory.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Ben-Schonewille
Related Resource: Discouragement Often Comes after Calling | Ezra 3
In this episode of The Bible Explained, Jen walks through Ezra chapter 3 and explores the Israelites’ return from exile as they begin rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. She highlights how the people, though fearful and greatly outnumbered, chose unity, obedience, and worship by first rebuilding the altar and restoring sacrifices to God. The episode focuses on the emotional moment when the temple foundation is laid—some rejoice with gratitude while others weep, remembering the former temple’s glory. Through passages in Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah, Jen emphasizes God’s encouragement not to “despise small beginnings,” reminding listeners that God often works through humble starts, difficult seasons, and imperfect circumstances. The episode closes with a practical encouragement: when God calls people to a purpose, opposition and discouragement will come, but faithful perseverance and trust in God’s presence are what carry the work forward. If this podcast helped you understand the Bible in a clearer way, be sure to follow The Bible Explained on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Friday, 15 May 2026.
SHARE
