The word ‘but’ is a conjunction used to introduce a contrast or exception to what has been stated before. The word ‘now’ is an adverb that refers to the present moment and it is used to indicate what is happening at this very moment or to distinguish the present from the past or future.
The phrase ‘But Now’ in the New Testament is a powerful turning point. It signifies a transition from a past situation to a present reality brought about by the work of Christ. The key texts to the teaching are from the following books: Romans 6:21-22, Ephesians 2:13 and 1Peter 2:10. In God’s eternal programme for man there were/are only three phases which are generation, degeneration and regeneration.
Generation- the original state of creation and fellowship with God.
Degeneration- the fall into sin and the resulting separation from God.
Regeneration- the restoration and renewal offered through Jesus Christ, leading to reconciliation with God and eternal life.
‘But Now’ is part of God’s regeneration agenda to return to the original state. The phase signifies a pivotal transformation from a previous state of sin, separation, or spiritual death to a new state of redemption, reconciliation, and spiritual life. It appears at least 77 times in the Bible and several times more in other forms.
What does ‘But Now’ mean?
- ‘But Now…’ means a change of position/location- Ephesians 2:11-13.
- Changing location means changing your lifestyle. Lifestyle encompasses of a broad range of habits, routines, behaviors and choices that define the way a person lives. It includes; health and wellness, work and career, leisure, living environment, financial habits, personal development and also relationships and family. Romans 12:2, Colossians 3:12, Philippians 4:8-9.
- Changing location also means changing your priorities. Priorities encompasses a range of tasks, goals, and values that individuals or groups deem most important and urgent. They can vary widely depending on personal (health, family, relationships, spirituality, faith and finances), professional (career development, worklife balance, productivity and professional intelligence), or organizational contexts (innovation and growth, sustainability and profitability). Colossians 3:12, Philippians 4:8-9.
- ‘But Now…’ means a change of identity- 1Peter 2:10.
- A good example to use in explaining identity is a fingerprint. Fingerprints are unique to each individual; just as personal identity encompasses the unique aspects of who we are. This shows how unique we are in God’s eyes.
- Identity speaks about who you are. According to Genesis 1:26, we get to learn the special status and purpose of humanity within the broader creation narrative. It emphasizes the unique relationship between God and human beings and also the humanity’s responsibility towards the rest of creation.
- Changing identity means changing in selfperception. Self-perception refers to the way you view and understand yourself. It encompasses your beliefs, attitudes, and feelings about your own attributes, qualities, and identity. 2 Corinthians 5:17 highlights the profound change that occurs when someone embraces faith in Christ, marking a transition from an old way of life to a new, spiritually renewed existence.
- Changing identity means new relationships. Relationships refer to the connections and interactions between individuals, groups or entities. They encompass a wide range of social, emotional and functional aspects and can be formal or informal. John 13:3435 summaries the centrality of love in the Christian faith, as taught by Jesus. The depth and quality of love among His followers serve as a testimony to their relationship with Him.
- Change in identity means a change in values (core principles or standards that guide your behavior and decisionmaking) and beliefs (convictions or acceptances that certain things are real or true). Romans 12:2 emphasizes the importance of not conforming to secular values but instead undergoing a transformative process through the renewal of the mind which enables believers to understand and live according to God’s will.
- ‘But Now…’ means a change of destiny- Romans 6:21-22.
- ‘But Now…’ unlocks and unleashes your full potential Philippians 4:13 highlights that the strength to face life’s circumstances and achieve one’s goals comes through Christ.
- The change of destiny gives us assurance of our guiltlessness in the eyes of God Romans 8:1 emphasizes that believers in Christ are free from the condemnation of sin.
- Knowledge of our destiny requires us to live with assurance and a sense of purpose Romans 6:22 outlines the transition from the old life dominated by sin to a new life devoted by God. It also highlights the assurance of eternal life for those who follow this new path.
Conclusion.
The ‘But Now…’ moment is a profound declaration of what God has done and continues to do in our lives. It marks the shift from our old selves to a new creation, from condemnation to redemption, from despair to hope. Embrace this moment, live in its realty, and let it inspire you to move forward with renewed faith and purpose. Let the ‘But Now…’ in your life be a testament to the transformative power of God’s grace.