“Christians are made, not born.” - Tertullian
We are people of the already and not yet. Every follower of Jesus is saved, is being saved, and will be saved. Sanctification is a life-long work - we do not emerge from the born again womb complete disciples (John 3:3). We are being conformed to the image of Christ by the Father slowly - sometimes painfully - over time (Rom 8:29). Our salvation and sanctification is not self-made, bootstrapped labor - no, we are not our own, we have been bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20).
Maybe this is a year to lay down filthy rag righteousness and rest in the righteousness of Christ that clothes every one of His followers (Is 64:6, 2 Cor 5:21).
Maybe this is the year to stop being conformed to the patterns of the world, but to be transformed by the renewal of the mind (Rom 12:2).
Maybe this is the year to lose your life, rather than preserve it (Luke 17:33).
Lord, may it be so. May we be remade again and again. Let us be conformed to your image, for your glory, and the good of the world, amen.
Made,
AB