How Are We a "New Creation" in Christ?
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“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The Apostle Paul wrote this verse as part of a letter to the church in Corinth. He was teaching that when a person accepts Jesus as their savior, something revolutionary happens in them – they are “made new.”
But it’s more than just becoming a better person. Paul is stating that believing in Christ starts a process within us which alters our hearts, minds and lives. And the beautiful result is that we grow more and more like the Lord Himself. The Apostle saw this as something to embrace and to celebrate.
What Does the Bible Say about Newness?
God’s plan to renew His people shouldn’t come as a surprise. In both the Old and New Testaments, we find passages that reveal His desire to create and transform. Reading them can stir up hope within us for better things to come.
“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).
“I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you” (Ezekiel 36:25-26).
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).
“He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” (Revelation 21:5).
And many books in Scripture mention how God will minister to us as we move forward. We can rely on these truths and gain encouragement for our walk.
“…those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).
“Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old…” (Lamentations 5:21).
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
“Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again’” (John 3:3).
What Does Being “Made New” Really Mean?
Paul says being made new is something to rejoice about. But the phrase may sound confusing at first.
A few definitions of the word “new” are, “current; made or become fresh; usually of superior quality.” And when God performs this spiritual transformation within a person, they do in a sense start to become up-to-date, showing more maturity and selfless love. A higher-quality version of themself begins to develop.
Simply put, our Heavenly Father wants to take away all the old self-serving and sinful beliefs, mindsets and even core values that we’ve lived by, and replace them with His. And it’s a process He continues through the rest of our lives.
“…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
A Closer Look at 2 Corinthians 5
In verses 9 and 10 of this chapter, Paul wrote that followers of Christ should seek to live in a way that will glorify Him.
“So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:9-10).
Paul cited Jesus' life and death as the ultimate example of dedicating ourselves to God’s Will and to each other. His death on the cross was meant to please God and to give us the chance to live differently.
“And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again” (2 Corinthians 5:15).
And in verse 16, Paul says that when we decide to follow Jesus, our way of looking at everything starts to shift. We become more humble about ourselves, and more compassionate toward others.
“So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer” (2 Corinthians 5:16).
Breaking 2 Corinthians 5:17 down can help us see that we are not expected to “fix” ourselves, but to take part in a wonderful process. God does the work of turning us toward Him. And as we respond to that, He brings out our better nature.
Praying through 2 Corinthians 5
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ”
First a person accepts Christ and follows Him. A growing understanding comes about how they’ve been living apart from God, and the daily consequences of that choice.
Heavenly Father, I confess that I have been living a self-centered life, and see how shallow it’s become. Please forgive me. I see my need for Jesus as my Savior, and accept Him as my Lord. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
“the new creation has come”
There is a growing awareness of and sensitivity to God’s presence in them. And, feeling a sense of hope, they seek more of God in their life.
Lord God, thank You for Your presence - it brings me comfort and helps me see things in a clearer way. Please continue to “wake me up,” and to share what You are doing within me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
“The old has gone”
Then, they humbly ask God to forgive their sins. Letting go of their old ways, beliefs and lifestyle makes space for the things of God to settle in.
Holy Father, I bring before You all the ways I’ve lived solely for myself - all the self-serving thoughts, words and actions. I ask Your forgiveness for each one, and for Your help to give them over to You. I know You will replace the wrong with the righteous! I lift this up in Jesus’ name. Amen.
“the new is here!”
And as time goes on, they become more willing to let God grow and mature them. They see the blessings of learning His Ways and doing His Will and feel a greater desire to be used by Him.
Father God, thank You so much for the work You have done to transform me. When I look back, I already see that You’ve led me on a wonderful journey that’s grown my faith and truly enriched my life every day. Please continue to make me over, that I could be more effective and impactful for You, which brings such joy. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.
More of Paul’s Teaching about Newness
“…just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4).
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).
“He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit…” (Titus 3:5).
“By calling this covenant ‘new,’ he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear” (Hebrews 8:13).
It’s been said that Our Heavenly Father meets us where we are, but doesn’t leave us there. We won’t reach perfection in this life. But once God’s spiritual renewal starts, we are set on the path to Christ-likeness. Paul found great joy in that truth, and we can too.
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