What connections exist between Exodus 12:2 and the New Testament's concept of renewal? A Fresh Calendar: Exodus 12:2 “ ‘This month is to be for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of your year.’ ” (Exodus 12:2) • Israel’s story is rebooted on the night of the Passover. • God does not merely tweak their calendar; He redefines it around redemption. • Time itself is now measured from the moment the blood of the lamb secures their deliverance. Foreshadowing the Greater Reset • Passover’s lamb anticipates “Christ, our Passover lamb” (1 Corinthians 5:7). • Just as Israel’s old life in Egypt ended, the believer’s old life in sin ends at the cross. • The Exodus calendar begins with a death that brings life—a pattern fulfilled at Calvary. New Testament Notes on Renewal 1. New Creation Identity • 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!” • Connection: As Israel received a new calendar, believers receive a new nature. 2. Newness of Life • Romans 6:4: “...just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.” • The resurrection fulfills the Passover week and grants a perpetual “first month” to every Christian walk. 3. Renewed Mind and Self • Ephesians 4:22-24: “...be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and put on the new self...” • Exodus 12 moved Israel from slave mentality to covenant identity; the Spirit now renews our thinking. 4. Regeneration by the Spirit • Titus 3:5: “...the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” • The blood on the doorposts pointed to cleansing; the Spirit applies Christ’s blood to hearts, ushering in continual renewal. Parallels Between Exodus 12:2 and Gospel Renewal • New Beginning – Israel’s first month ⟶ believer’s new birth (John 3:3). • Deliverance from Bondage – Chains of Egypt ⟶ chains of sin (Romans 6:6). • Marked by Blood – Lamb’s blood on doors ⟶ Lamb’s blood on hearts (1 Peter 1:18-19). • Community Redefined – Twelve tribes forged into a nation ⟶ diverse believers forged into one body (Ephesians 2:14-16). • Ongoing Memorial – Annual Passover ⟶ Lord’s Supper “in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19), reminding us our timeline starts at the cross. Living Today in the “First Month” • View every day as part of God’s redeemed calendar—life counted from Christ’s sacrifice, not from past failures. • Celebrate deliverance regularly: the Lord’s Table, personal testimony, shared worship. • Choose habits that align with new-creation identity: confess sin quickly, renew the mind with Scripture, walk in the Spirit. • Encourage one another to remember that the old has truly passed; everything now flows from the redemptive “Day One” secured by Jesus. |
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