This is a summary of a part of chapter six of Dr. Kevin McGary’s book, Freed to Be Servant and Slave (available on Amazon).

Life Begins with Death

There is a divine paradox woven throughout Scripture—life, in its truest and most abundant form, begins only with death. To live as Christ intends, we must first die. This death is not merely metaphorical, but a spiritual crucifixion of our old self, bound to pride, lust, and the deceptive comforts of the world system. The pursuit of Lordship demands that we follow the pattern of Jesus: we must carry our cross, lay down our self-driven lives, and fully surrender to the will of God. It is only through this surrender that rebirth into eternal, abundant life becomes possible.

The Pattern of Jesus: Carrying the Cross and Total Surrender

Jesus modeled the path for every believer. He did not resist the cross; instead, He embraced it. His final words, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46), are not just a closing statement—they are the blueprint for surrender. We, too, must come to the end of ourselves. Our journey to Lordship requires us to lay down every foundation built on worldly desires and self-preservation. The crucifixion of the self-paves the way for divine transformation. Without it, there is no rebirth.

The Abundant Life Promise Under Lordship

In John 10:10 (AMP), Jesus states, “The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” This verse lays bare the reality of two opposing kingdoms. The world system, led by Satan, is designed to bind, oppress, and ultimately destroy. Jesus came to deliver us from this bondage by offering us His Kingdom—a life full of wholeness, purpose, and peace. But this promise is exclusive to those who have died with Christ and are reborn in His likeness. It is a conditional promise based on spiritual death and resurrection.

Becoming a New Creation: The Process Outlined in 2 Corinthians 5

2 Corinthians 5:14-18 is a cornerstone for understanding spiritual transformation. It reveals a process rooted in love, not coercion. Christ’s love compels us to live no longer for ourselves, but for Him. This decision to follow Jesus is a matter of the heart, volitional, passionate, and purposeful. Through His death, we die to the world system and our fleshly desires. Only then can we begin to live as new creations. In doing so, we reject the control and narrative of the world and embrace the freedom found in the Kingdom of God.

No Longer Viewing Others Through a Worldly Lens

One of the most profound aspects of becoming a new creation is that we no longer regard anyone from a worldly point of view. This shift in perspective is revolutionary. It means we release all emotional attachments, grudges, and judgments linked to past experiences. A new creation cannot carry old triggers, resentments, or memories. Just as a newborn starts life with no knowledge of the past, we too must leave behind every chain that once held us captive. This spiritual renewal allows us to see others—and ourselves—through the lens of grace.

The Necessity of Forgetting the Past

Forgiveness and forgetting are not signs of weakness; they are signs of Lordship. To be reborn in Christ means to let go of unmet expectations, past wounds, and former identities. The past has no place in the life of someone who is made new. This is not to say we erase history, but rather, that we no longer allow it to define, manipulate, or enslave us. Our new identity is found in Christ alone, and it is one rooted in freedom, not bondage.

Cultural Relevance: CRT, DEI, and the Weight of the Past

The grip of the past is not only personal—it is cultural. Movements such as Critical Race Theory (CRT), DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion), and Liberation Theology often prioritize the remembrance of past injustices, fueling division and resentment. If the church truly embraced the teachings of 2 Corinthians 5, such ideologies would lose their influence. Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient. To cling to the past as preeminent is to declare the Cross insufficient. The power of Christ’s redemption demands that we release vengeance and trust in God’s justice.

Forgiveness and the Power of Letting Go

Unforgiveness is the enemy’s most effective tool. When we fail to forgive, we remain tethered to the very system Christ died to free us from. Satan knows that if we are haunted by shame, guilt, or offense, he can keep us from experiencing abundant life. Forgiveness is not optional—it is a command. Without it, we disqualify ourselves from truly being new creations and ambassadors of Christ. Repentance and a heart committed to reconciliation are non-negotiable for those under Christ’s Lordship.

Conclusion: The Demand of Rebirth and the Call to Ambassadorship

The pathway to becoming a new creation is exclusive, demanding, and life-altering. It is not easier for pastors or laypeople; it is equally rigorous for all. The call to be an ambassador for Christ is rooted in obedience, humility, and transformation. We do not forget the past because we are naïve—we release it because we trust in a Savior who heals, restores, and avenges righteously. In a world full of chaos and division, the body of Christ must rise in unity, bearing no weight of the past, and living as true ambassadors of reconciliation, under the Lordship of Christ.

Final Reflection:

Would the church be plagued with strife and division if every believer embraced this truth? Would we see rampant immorality, unforgiveness, and confusion if the past no longer had power over us? The answer lies in our willingness to die—to truly die—and be reborn. Only then can we say we are alive in Christ. Only then can we live life after death.