30 Powerful bible verses about making things new (Full Commentary).

Today we will talk about bible verses about making things new. Many Christians see that life can feel broken and confusing at times, but God promises to restore and renew us. The beautiful truth we find in Scripture is that God specializes in making things new, giving us hope and purpose. As we read through God’s word, let’s open our hearts and minds to the promise of renewal and understand how it applies to our lives every day.

Bible Verses About Making Things New

Renewal of the Mind

In our faith journey, the renewal of our minds is crucial. Often, we battle thoughts that keep us from experiencing the fullness of life that God has for us. The scriptures encourage us to transform our thinking to align with God’s truth. This renewal brings fresh perspectives, helps us let go of old patterns, and guides us toward a life that reflects His love and grace.

Romans 12:2

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2

Ephesians 4:23

“to be made new in the attitude of your minds;” – Ephesians 4:23

2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Colossians 3:10

“and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” – Colossians 3:10

Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8

New Life in Christ

When we choose to follow Christ, we experience a radical change described as going from death to life. This transformation signifies the new life we receive—rich and filled with purpose. As a community, we celebrate this new life that Christ offers because it brings us into a relationship with Him and transforms our existence.

John 10:10

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10

Galatians 2:20

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

Romans 6:4

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” – Romans 6:4

2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

New Beginnings

New beginnings often can be seen as daunting but can also mean exciting opportunities. God specializes in new starts, helping us wipe the slate clean and offering us fresh chances to thrive. With His help, we can step into a new chapter filled with hope and increased joy.

Isaiah 43:19

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:19

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Revelation 21:5

“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” – Revelation 21:5

Philippians 2:13

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” – Philippians 2:13

Isaiah 40:31

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

New Attitude

Adjusting our attitudes means embracing the potential for positivity in every situation. A new attitude helps us to face obstacles with a spirit of joy, gratitude, and hope. When we adopt a mindset aligned with scripture, we let go of negativity and allow space for God’s goodness to shine through.

Romans 12:2

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is.” – Romans 12:2

Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32

Colossians 3:2

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2

Matthew 5:8

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8

1 Peter 5:7

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

New Attitude Towards Others

A new attitude toward others creates a culture of love and respect. We learn from the scripture that loving one another is not just a suggestion, but a command from God. When our hearts are renewed to love genuinely, we contribute to a community that reflects Christ’s love.

John 13:34

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34

Mark 12:31

“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:31

Romans 15:5

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.” – Romans 15:5

Ephesians 4:2

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2

Colossians 3:13

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13

New You Through Forgiveness

Forgiveness aligns us with God’s heart and opens the door to true renewal. When we forgive ourselves and others, we release the burden of past mistakes and step into the freedom that Christ offers. Understanding this helps shape a “new me” that lives unencumbered by guilt, anger, or resentment.

Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32

Matthew 6:14

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14

Colossians 3:13

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13

Luke 17:3-4

“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” – Luke 17:3-4

Mark 11:25

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” – Mark 11:25

New Strength for the Journey

Life can feel overwhelming, but God promises us new strength to persevere through challenges. Just like a butterfly emerges from its cocoon, we too can find strength in Christ that propels us forward. Let’s encourage one another in this journey to lean on Him for renewed vigor.

Isaiah 40:31

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

2 Corinthians 12:9

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9

Philippians 4:13

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

Psalms 29:11

“The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.” – Psalms 29:11

Ephesians 6:10

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” – Ephesians 6:10

New Hope in Trials

As we face various trials in life, God invites us to find hope in His promises. Difficulties can often feel overwhelming, but through them, we are reminded of God’s love and faithfulness. Together, let us support one another in anchoring our hope in Him, knowing He can make all things new.

Romans 5:3-4

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4

James 1:2-4

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:2-4

2 Corinthians 4:16-17

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

Psalms 42:11

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” – Psalms 42:11

Isaiah 40:31

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

Final Thoughts

As we reflect on these powerful verses about making things new, we’re reminded that God is continuously restoring, renewing, and transforming us. We have the opportunity to embrace newness not just in our lives but in our minds, hearts, and relationships. By turning to Scripture, we can find encouragement and strength to let go of the past and step into the future He has planned for us.

Each verse we read today offers a glimpse of God’s wonderful promise to make all things new, including us. Let’s hold on to this truth and support one another as we navigate life’s challenges with renewed hope and joy.

In our journey together, may we always strive to reflect the love and kindness that Christ demonstrates, knowing that He loves us unconditionally. Let us lean on Him for strength and keep our eyes fixed on the new things He is doing in our lives.

Further Reading

30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)

30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)

30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)

30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)

4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4

Lewi Petrus,
1884-1974

Lewi Petrus

Lewi Petrus was born in Sweden and was the son of a factory worker. He grew up in the Baptist Church when there were many groups gathering in homes to pray for revival. He became an evangelist (1902-04) and attended Bethel Seminary in Stockholm (1905-06). Petrus experienced a powerful inward cleansing in 1905 and, after reading a books by A. J. Gordon and Charles Finney, he began to yearn for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Lewi Petrus tells his own story

In answer to prayer, the Spirit of God began to move, especially among the Baptists. We cannot do better than to let Pastor Lewi Petrus, tell his own story:

“I had a wonderful experience in the year 1905„ The Lord cleansed my heart and then I had a great desire to be filled with God. The biography of Charles Finney showed me that there was a blessing I could receive. I read a book by Dr. A. J. Gordon, which told of-being filled with the Spirit, and I began to long for the Baptism of the Spirit.

No one ever preached on the Baptism of the Spirit at that time, and I had never seen anyone receive the fullness of the Spirit, but I understood there must be something in it. I was holding revival meetings and a few souls, from ten to twenty, were coming to the cross in the meetings; but when I saw them coming, weeping, I also saw the emptiness of my own soul and heart.

I got away from the revival meetings, threw myself on the floor in my room, and cried to God that He might fill me. I felt I was empty; I was clean, but I was not filled. Why do I speak of myself ? Because this was the first experience of thousands of others at the same time. There were thousands of others with the same experience, crying to God, ‘Give us a revival and fill us with the Holy Spirit.’

“In January, 1907, I picked up a Stockholm paper and saw the picture of a man I knew very well, Pastor Barratt of Christiania, Norway. The heading of this article was, ‘A remarkable revival has broken out in Christiania. People are talking in tongues, just as on the Day of Pentecost.’ I said to my helper, ‘I am going to Christiania tomorrow.’

When I was leaving the church, they told me that I was welcome back again, but I answered, ‘I will never come back again unless the Lord baptizes me with the Holy Spirit.’ I am not going to describe how it happened, but praise God it did happen, and a little later on there were thousands and thousands baptized in the Spirit in Sweden.

“About that time, a young man came back to his old home town in Sweden from the States. Nobody understood him, but reports were circulated that he spoke in tongues.

One day, while he was in a Baptist prayer meeting, he spoke in tongues and there was a great upheaval. But the work of the Lord continued, especially among the Baptists. A very spiritual, prominent man had been in the Baptist denomination about fifteen years and had taught the people about being filled with the Holy Spirit.

He had never seen anyone receive the Baptism of the Spirit and speak in tongues, but he believed in the Spirit-filled life, and his teaching penetrated the Baptist denomination quite a bit, and I believe that is why the Spirit of God fell among the Baptists. There was an open door, many of the people understanding something of this work.

In his own words, ‘There were thousands of others (in Sweden) at the same time crying to God, ‘Give us revival and fill us with the Holy Spirit.’” In January 1907 he read in a Stockholm newspaper of T. B. Barratt who was experiencing Pentecostal tongues in Norway. When this young zealot arrived in Oslo with such intense earnestness he soon received what he was looking for and became a Pentecostal Christian by experience.

Lewi Petrus becomes Pastor of Filadelfia

At the time he was pastor of the Baptist Church in Lidkoping (1906-11) and his entire congregation also accepted the Pentecostal message, as did numerous other churches in Sweden. On August 30th 1910, a new Baptist Church, Filadelfia in Stockholm, was formed, allowing the full freedom of the Holy Spirit in its meetings.

On January 11th 1911 Petrus was called to be its Pastor, but in April 1913 the Swedish Baptist Convention expelled Petrus and his new congregation from the convention. The reason stated was their ‘open communion’ policy, but the real issue was their Pentecostal doctrine and practice. Nevertheless, Petrus always respected his Baptist heritage, even employing a Baptist ecclesiology as the basis for the newly founded Pentecostal denomination.

God’s blessing was upon Petrus and thousands joined his church’s ranks in the home church in Stockholm and across the nation. When he took on the pastorate of Filadelphia the membership was abot 70 but within a year it reached 244. The next year it rose to 438 and by 1918 it stood at 1,411. By 1926 it was 3,176 and by 1938 it reached a colossal 5, 887.

His great features

What were his outstanding features? He had a charming but simplicity in his style and a rare graciousness of spirit, but his great organising ability is beyond question. His sharp mind and strong leadership style gave a solid backbone to the Pentecostal movement throughout Scandinavia.

‘Petrus led his own congregation to become the largest in the Pentecostal world (until c. 1975) and the Pentecostal movement in Sweden to become the largest Free Church in Sweden, primarily by his ability to relate the church to all aspects of life. His holistic vision for the Christian life and the moderation, dignity, and realism of his expectations of spiritual development won him a hearing throughout Europe, North America, and the Third World.

He demonstrated to the Pentecostal world that the movement did not have to be alienated from the national culture of which it is a part.’ He was clearly seen as a Pentecostal statesman, not only in his own nation but also across the world.

He remained pastor at Filadelphia, Stockholm, until his retirement in 1958 and active in the movement until his death in 1974.

His enterprises

He also founded the Filadelia Church Rescue Mission (1911); the Filadelfia Publishing House (1912); the Filadelfia Bible School (1915); the periodical Evangelii Harold (1916); the Kaggeholms Folkhogskola (a secondary school) (1942); a national daily newspaper, Dagen (1945 ); a savings bank, Allmanna Spar-och Kreditkassen (1952); and a worldwide radio network, I.B.R.A. Radio (1955).

His writing ministry

Petrus was also a prolific author. His first book, Jesus Kommer (1912) was also the first publication of the Forlaget Filadelfia (Filadelfia Publishing House). His collected writings comprise ten volumes, not counting his five-volume memoirs and a number of books written after 1956. He also contributed widely to periodical publications. His books and essays have been translated into many languages.

Bibliography: Donald Gee, ‘Wind and Flame’ 1941 and 1967; D.D. Bundy art. ‘International Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements’ 2002.

Tony Cauchi

For further research

Lewi Petrus – Wikipedia

Lewi Pethrus’ Ecclesiological Thought – a 337 page paper on his ecclesiology.

What Did Jesus Mean When He Told the Parable of the Wineskins?

Sheila Alewine

Author

UPDATEDAugust 13, 2025

The Parable of the Wineskins is recorded in three of the gospels: Matthew 9:14-17, Mark 2:18-22, and Luke 5:33-39. For this article, we’ll use Luke as our base of exploration.

“And they said to Him, ‘The disciples of John often fast and offer prayers, the disciples of the Pharisees also do the same, but Yours eat and drink.’ And Jesus said to them, ‘You cannot make the attendants of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you? But the days will come; and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days.’ And He was also telling them a parable: ‘No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and puts it on an old garment; otherwise he will both tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one, after drinking old wine wishes for new; for he says, ‘The old is good enough’” (Luke 5:33-39).

The context is the same across all three gospel accounts. It begins when Jesus heals a paralyzed man, demonstrating His authority to forgive sins. This event astonishes many and greatly disturbs the Pharisees. Immediately after, Jesus continues His selection of the twelve by calling Levi (Matthew) to leave his job as a tax collector and follow Him.

What Is the Context of This Parable?

Excited for others to meet Jesus, Levi hosts a gathering and invites all his friends and fellow tax collectors. The Pharisees are shocked, grumbling at Jesus’ disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?” (Luke 5:30). Jesus replies, “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Luke 5:31-32).

The Pharisees have a problem with the people this new rabbi seems to prefer. Why is He choosing fishermen and lowly tax collectors instead of the pious and religious scribes and Pharisees? They go on to question the spiritual depth of these rough men by pointing out that they don’t follow the Jewish traditions of public fasting and prayers. How can they be religious scholars following the teachings of a rabbi with such inappropriate behavior?

And immediately after Jesus relates this cryptic parable about patched cloth and old wineskins, Luke tells us the Pharisees still missed the point Jesus was making, as they accused the disciples of breaking the Sabbath by picking grain to eat as they passed through the fields (Luke 6:1-5).

I’ve always heard that comparing patching an old garment with new cloth and pouring new wine into old wineskins is an analogy for the old covenant, which followed the Mosaic laws, versus the new covenant Jesus established through His blood shed on the cross. And indeed, the gospel of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ isn’t something meant to “patch up” our old life of works-righteousness.

But in the context of the controversy about His disciples, perhaps Jesus was making a point about the kind of people who would accept His salvation, especially in light of His concluding remark: “And no one, after drinking old wine wishes for new; for he says, ‘the old is good enough’” (Luke 5:39). If the old wine is the old covenant, then this seems to suggest it’s preferable. Is this what Jesus was teaching?

3 Things We Must Do to Accept Jesus’ Teaching

In response to the criticisms raised against His disciples, Jesus provides three examples to illustrate the attitude needed to accept His teaching and receive salvation by grace.

1. We Must Know We Are Sick

Jesus welcomed the opportunity Matthew provided by opening his home to all his unsaved friends and coworkers. Matthew was just beginning to understand and believe that Jesus could be the promised Messiah. Yet his first act as a disciple was to invite others who needed to meet Him.

Unlike the outwardly pious Pharisees, Matthew’s friends and tax collectors had no illusions about their spiritual state. They did not claim to be righteous; they knew they were sinners. Jesus compared the Pharisees to sick people who thought they were healthy. Those who accept salvation must recognize their spiritual sickness and be willing to come to the Great Physician. Self-righteous people see no need to repent.

2. We Must Exchange Our Old Garments of Works-Righteousness

The old garment that needed patching was not the good and holy laws of God. Paul tells us, “the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good” (Romans 7:12). It was the self-righteous works that the Pharisees thought would earn their salvation. It was the traditions of men that were followed, while the commandments of God were neglected (Mark 7:1-13).

We cannot keep wearing the clothing of our good works and expect to gain salvation. “All our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment” (Isaiah 64:6). God doesn’t merely put a “patch of grace” over our old lives. Instead, we trade our old life for the righteous robe of Christ’s righteousness. When Christ saves us, we “laid aside the old self…and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him” (Colossians 3:9-10).

Isaiah says, “I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels” (Isaiah 61:10).

3. We Must Be Vessels Willing to Be Filled

The Pharisees rejected Jesus because they were afraid of losing their status and influence as religious leaders. They “trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt” (Luke 18:9). They attributed Jesus’ power to Satan (Matthew 12:24).

First, they tried to trap Him with insincere questions (Matthew 22:15; Luke 11:53-54), and then they planned to kill Him (Matthew 26:3-4). Despite clear evidence that He came from God, performed miracles, and spoke with authority and clarity on the Scriptures they knew so well, they determined to get rid of Him. “If we let Him go on like this, all men will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation” (John 11:48).

In contrast, the disciples were uneducated men, not immersed in the outwardly righteous acts and traditions of the Pharisees. Certainly, they had been taught God’s laws and the ways of the Jewish faith. However, they were not so tied to the old ways that they couldn’t accept the new teachings from Jesus. They were open-minded and eager to learn. Their hearts were stirred as they listened to Him speak and saw the miracles He performed. They were not cynical or skeptical, nor so entrenched in their beliefs that they couldn’t consider the truths coming from His mouth.

The Pharisees were like the old wineskins, unable to accept Jesus’ teachings and satisfied with the old wine of their traditions and religious works. There was no space in their lives for what Jesus offered, nor did they want to be made new. The disciples, on the other hand, were like the new wineskins, open and ready to receive what Jesus offered, and ultimately to be filled with the new wine of the Holy Spirit.

John MacArthur comments on Jesus’ last statement in Luke 5:39:

“The Lord’s final illustration describes the tragedy of those who reject the gospel of grace and cling to their false system of works-righteousness. Jesus likened such people to those who are content with the old wine they have been drinking, and have no desire to taste the new. ‘No one,’ Jesus said, ‘after drinking old wine wishes for new; for he says, ‘The old is good enough.’ False religion deadens the spiritual senses. Far enough into the drinking experience, the drinker does not care about the taste of the wine. It is one of the chief ways that the ‘god of this world [blinds] the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God’ (2 Corinthians 4:4). Like wine drinkers sloshing their familiar drink, people stubbornly cling to their comfortable religious traditions, and have little or no interest in the new, fresh saving truth of the gospel.”

What’s Our Takeaway?

Jesus calls those who know they are spiritually sick and in need of healing from their sinful condition. Jesus calls those who acknowledge their need for His righteousness and are willing to cast aside their robes of worldly good works as well as their evil deeds. Jesus calls those who know they need to be filled and will ask to be made new.

What kind of wineskin are you?