The Believer: A New Creation

The Believer: A New Creation

Study Text: 2 Corinthians 5: 15 - 18

Introduction:

- As Christians, we are new creations: The old life of sin has been defeated and destroyed by repentance, the old nature has been conquered by crucifixion, and now we stand as new creations.

- We have new goals, values, desires, attitudes, thoughts, actions, new everything. As Christians we have not just been repaired but totally renewed.

-. Previously in the old life, we were living for ourselves, guided by our selfish interests and desires. But now in the new life, we are living for Jesus Christ who died for us and rose again.

- We shall be discussing the topic under three subheadings:

1. The Exposition on the New Creation

2. The Expectations from the New Creation

3. The Experience of the New Creation

1. The Exposition on the New Creation

- As we look at 2 Corinthians 5:17, What does it really mean to be a new creation in Christ?

-. To understand what that means, it is necessary to consider the different parts of this verse. We are going to do a critical explanation or interpretation of the text.

1. Therefore

- This is the first word we see in this verse. When you read the prior verse you will get at least one indication of why this 'therefore' is there.

-. When a person comes to Christ we should not look at them the same way. Our view of them should change. That is why the therefore is there.

2. If Anyone

- This word does not single out one specific group of people. This idea or reality applies to every person who meets the condition.

- This is very similar to the 'whosoever' we find in John 3:16. Whosoever believes or anyone who believes In Jesus Christ has eternal life. The same is true here anyone in Christ is made new.

3. Is in Christ

- This is the key condition of this verse. This is the one condition that must be met to make everything after it true.

- You must be in Christ. This word can mean a few things which are all tied together.

- You decided sincerely to stop living for your self and to start living for Jesus Christ. You belong to Christ. You have been saved by the power of Christ.

4. A new creation.

- As we consider this word, it will help us to answer the question what does it mean to be a new creation in Christ?

- The word new in this part of the verse implies transformation and regeneration.

-. When a sinful person gets connected to the saving and cleansing power of Jesus Christ, something has to change. You cannot have a true encounter with Jesus and have a true salvation experience and everything remain the same.

- The moment you are saved by the power of Jesus and you belong to him then the process of transformation begins. This is the first part of this newness represented here.

- There is a regeneration that happens when a person is a new creation in Christ. You can actually call it a dividing line. There is a you that existed before Christ and a you that exists after Christ.

- These two should be different. When you begin to consider the difference between the old you and the new you, then the answer to what does it really mean to be a new creation in Christ becomes very clear.

2. The Expectations from the New Creation

-. The Saviour is expecting the products of transformation and regeneration in the life of anyone who is in Him.

-. This is the confirmation and acceptable evidence that such a person has actually been in Christ. Some of these include:

1. New Beginnings Romans 3:23-24

- The word justified means you have been vindicated or acquitted. This means that in Christ you get a fresh start and a brand-new beginning.

-. You are no longer under any condemnation, and no guilt of sin, because you have received forgiveness. Colossians 1:13

2. New Relationship

- The outcome of the new beginning is a new relationship or new fellowship with God. This is because you are brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13

- We were all at one point far from God because of our sin. However in Christ that all changes.

- Being a new creation means you can now draw near. It gives you access to his presence.

3. New Identity

- When you are in Christ you are given a new identity. You have been changed from living for your self to living for Jesus Christ.

- You are no longer your own, you belong to Christ.

-. You have been called out of darkness unto His marvelous light to show forth His praises.