Lord’s Day 33
Q90. What is the coming to life of the new self?
It is having real joy in God through Christ and loving to do every kind of good that God wants us to do.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Psalm 51:8, 12
Isaiah 57:15
Romans 5:1
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 14:17
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
Romans 6:10–11
Galatians 2:20
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What does the catechism say the "coming to life of the new self" includes?
- 2
How is joy in God different from just being happy about your circumstances?
- 3
What kind of good things does God want us to love doing?
Illustration
When spring comes after a long winter, plants push up through the soil toward the light. They do not force themselves to grow. They grow because life is in them. The new self is like that. The Holy Spirit puts new desires in a believer. Joy in God and love for what is right begin to sprout and grow from the inside out.
Application
Notice one moment this week when you felt glad to do something right. Thank God for that desire. It is evidence of new life growing in you. Ask him to increase your joy in obeying him.