DNA of the new creation

Paul tells us that when Jesus emerged from the tomb on the third day in the gray dawn of the new morning, he became the firstfruits of the new creation: “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1. Kor 15,20).

This is closely related to the statement God made on the third day in the creation story: “And God said, ‘Let the land produce vegetation, seed-bearing plants, and fruit trees on the land, each bearing fruit with seed in it, according to its kind.’ And it was so.” (1. Mose 1,11).

We don't think about it when acorns sprout on oaks and our tomato plants produce tomatoes. This is in the DNA (the genetic information) of a plant. But aside from physical creation and spiritual contemplation, the bad news is that we have all inherited Adam's DNA and inherited Adam's fruit, rejection of God and death, from him. We all have a tendency to reject God and go our own way.

The good news is: “As in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (1. Kor 15,22)This is now our new DNA, and this is now our fruit, which is like his: "Filled with the fruit of righteousness through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." (Phil 1,11).
Now, as part of the body of Christ, with the Spirit in us, we reproduce the fruits according to its kind - the Christ kind. Jesus even uses the image of himself as a vine and we as branches in which he brings forth fruit, the same fruits as we have seen that he has and that he is now producing in us.

“Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (Joh 15,4-5)This is our new creative DNA.

You can rest assured that despite setbacks, bad days, bad weeks, and the occasional stumble, as part of the second creation, the new creation, you will produce fruits "of its kind". The fruits of Jesus Christ, to whom you belong, you are, and who lives in you.

from Hilary Buck