Transformed by Truth: A New Creation in Christ 2 Corinthians 5:17
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT): "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"
Introduction
Today, we delve into the profound truth of 2 Corinthians 5:17, a verse that encapsulates the transformative power of being in Christ. As we explore this scripture, we will uncover the meaning of becoming a new creation, the implications for our daily lives, and how this transformation reflects God’s glory. Let us open our hearts and minds to the truth that in Christ, we are truly made new.
Point 1: The Reality of New Creation
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT): "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"
Paul is declaring a fundamental change that occurs when a person is in Christ. The phrase "in Christ" signifies a vital union with Jesus through faith. The old life, characterized by sin and separation from God, is gone. In its place, a new life, marked by righteousness and communion with God, begins. This transformation is not merely external but involves a profound change in the believer’s nature and identity.
"As Christ is the new man, so must we also be new creatures in Him." - Charles Spurgeon
Galatians 2:20 (NLT): "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
In this verse, Paul declares the profound transformation that occurs when we accept Christ. Our old self, which is dominated by sin, is crucified with Christ. This signifies that our sinful nature and its power over us have been put to death. Now, Christ lives in us. This means that our identity, our motivations, and our actions are now shaped by Jesus who resides within us through the Holy Spirit. Our lives are no longer our own but are to be lived in trust and faith in the Son of God, who demonstrated His immense love by sacrificing Himself for us.
John Stott, a well-known Christian author, once said, "We are not our own; we have been bought with a price. Consequently, we cannot live as we please. We must live as He pleases."
Imagine a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. The caterpillar’s old life of crawling and consuming leaves is completely transformed as it becomes a butterfly, free to fly and pollinate flowers. Similarly, our old life is radically transformed when we are in Christ, and we are set free to live a new life for His glory.
Point 2: The Old Life Is Gone
The old life refers to our former way of living before encountering Christ. It encompasses our sinful nature, past mistakes, and the separation from God that sin brings. This old life is not just put aside; it is completely eradicated through the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
"Christians are not just nice people; they are new people." - Max Lucado
Ephesians 4:22-24 (NLT): "Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy."
Paul calls believers to actively reject their old sinful nature and the lifestyle associated with it. This old nature is described as being corrupted by deceitful desires, leading us away from God. Instead, we are to allow the Holy Spirit to renew our minds and attitudes. This renewal is a continual process of transformation where our thoughts and actions align more closely with God's will. By putting on our new nature, we embrace the righteousness and holiness that reflect God's character.
Charles Spurgeon wisely noted, "The grace that does not change my life will not save my soul."
Consider the story of John Newton, the former slave trader who became a minister and the author of the hymn "Amazing Grace." His transformation from a man steeped in sin to a devoted follower of Christ exemplifies the truth that the old life is gone when we are made new in Christ.
Point 3: The New Life Has Begun
The new life in Christ is characterized by a renewed mind, a transformed heart, and a restored relationship with God. It is a life empowered by the Holy Spirit, producing the fruit of the Spirit and reflecting the character of Jesus. This new life is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of growth and sanctification.
"To be in Christ—that is redemption; but for Christ to be in you—that is sanctification!" - W. Ian Thomas
Romans 6:4 (NLT): "For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives."
Paul explains the symbolic significance of baptism. Through baptism, we identify with Christ's death and burial, signifying the end of our old, sinful life. Just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too are raised to walk in a new life. This new life is empowered by the same glorious power that raised Jesus from the dead. It is a life characterized by newness, reflecting our transformed hearts and minds.
Martyn Lloyd-Jones emphasized, "The ultimate test of our spirituality is the measure of our amazement at the grace of God."
Think about the journey of a newborn baby. Just as a baby grows and develops over time, learning to walk and talk, so too does our new life in Christ grow and develop. We learn to walk in His ways and speak His truth, maturing in our faith.
Point 4: Living Out the New Creation
Living out our new creation involves practical steps of obedience, faith, and love. It means continually choosing to follow Christ, even when faced with challenges. Our new life should be evident in our actions, attitudes, and relationships, reflecting the transformative power of Christ within us.
"A new creation should live a new life." - Dean Courtier
Colossians 3:10 (NLT): "Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him."
Paul urges believers to put on their new nature, a nature that is being continually renewed in the image of its Creator. This renewal involves a growing knowledge of God and a transformation into His likeness. Our new nature is not static; it is dynamic, growing in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness. As we come to know God more deeply, our lives are increasingly conformed to His character.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer once remarked, "Being a Christian is less about cautiously avoiding sin than about courageously and actively doing God's will."
A lighthouse stands as a beacon in the darkness, guiding ships safely to shore. As new creations in Christ, we are called to be lighthouses, shining His light in a dark world and guiding others to the safety of His salvation.
Conclusion
In these verses, we see a consistent theme: the transformation of our lives through our union with Christ. Our old, sinful selves are crucified with Him, and we are raised to new life. This new life involves a continual process of renewal, shaped by our growing knowledge of and relationship with God. As we put on our new nature and live by faith in Christ, our lives increasingly reflect His righteousness and holiness.
In conclusion, 2 Corinthians 5:17 calls us to embrace our identity as new creations in Christ. The reality of this new creation is transformative, the old life is eradicated, a new life begins, and we are called to live out this new creation in our daily lives.
Application and Call to Action
Embrace Your New Identity: Recognize and affirm that you are a new creation in Christ. Let go of the past and live in the freedom of your new life.
Seek Continuous Growth: Commit to daily prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers to grow in your new life.
Allow the Spirit to Renew You: Daily seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to renew your thoughts and attitudes. Engage in regular prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers.
Reflect Christ’s Character: Let your new life be evident in your actions and attitudes. Show love, compassion, and forgiveness as Christ has shown you.
Live Out Your New Nature: Actively put on your new nature by making choices that reflect God's character. Pursue righteousness and holiness in your daily life.
Grow in Knowledge of God: Make it a priority to deepen your understanding of God. As you learn more about Him, let His truths transform your actions and attitudes.
Be a Light to Others: Share your testimony and the transformative power of Christ with those around you. Be a living example of what it means to be a new creation.
May we all live out the truth of 2 Corinthians 5:17, embracing our new identity in Christ and allowing His transformation to shine through us. Amen.
