We Are A New Creation Series

Today we start a new sermon series: “Who we are in Christ.” A favorite phrase of Paul is the term “in Christ.” Paul’s use of the phrase is a whole study by itself. Paul, for the most part was the only one to use this phrase. The NT in the CSB, the term “in Christ” can be found 90 times in 88 verses: once in Acts, once in Hebrews, and 3 times in 1 Peter, but 85 times in 83 verses in the writings of Paul (Romans through Philemon).

Paul also use other like terms such as “in the Lord” found 44 times in 43 verses. These added together along with similar phrases using pronouns, (for example :“in Him”) Paul uses these phrases a total of 151 times (in the Greek). So, what exactly does Paul mean by “in Christ?” And why is that important?

Generally Paul’s use of these phrases refer to 5 things: [1]

1. Affirms something was done by God through Christ (about 1/3).

Romans 3:24 (CSB) They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

This include Creation itself:

Colossians 1:16 (CSB) For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through him and for him.

2. Exhortation or commendation of behavior or character.

Philippians 4:4 (CSB) Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Romans 16:3 (CSB) Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, my coworkers in Christ Jesus,

3. Describes the present state of Believers in view of Christ’s saving work.

Romans 12:5 (CSB) in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.

4. Describes specific persons or situation in relation to salvation.

1 Thessalonians 3:8 (CSB) For now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord.

5. Dealing with the nature of Christ. (2 in Colossians)

Colossians 2:9 (CSB) For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ

Over the coming weeks we will deal with who we are “in Christ.” In Christ - as it deals with our salvation.. The fact is, our relationship with Jesus is so much more the a mere “Get out Hell Free Card.” To our focus today will be on us being a New Creation in Christ

2 Corinthians 5:16–19

Being saved and being a new creation is something we generally understand about our salvation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 has long been a favorite memory verse and indeed it does explains a lot. We understand that being “in Christ” all our past is forgiven, but do we understand the concern Paul had for those that are “in Christ.” What did Paul desired that we understand?

First we need to understand that it was God the Father who loved us, that God acted in and through Christ Jesus to bring us salvation.

Romans 6:23b (CSB) the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Second, it is important for us to know how believers are to live under Christ’s saving Lordship. To be “in Christ” communicates simultaneously the gift of salvation and the command of obedience.

Philippians 4:1b (CSB) in this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.

So what does it mean to be a new creation in Christ? This group of verses, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, deals with us being reconciled to God. (We will cover these remaining verses (20-21) next week.)

How does that apply as being a new creation in Christ? Paul explains that our whole outlook will change.

2 Corinthians 5:16 (CSB) From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective. Even if we have known Christ from a worldly perspective, yet now we no longer know him in this way.

Before Christ, we had a worldly viewpoint. We knew no other way to see the world around us. Other translations will say according to the flesh, or a purely human way.

Paul “knew Jesus” from a worldly perspective and he persecuted His church. You see the only viewpoint the matters in the end is how God Almighty view things. The fact is the things of this world is passing away. Paul tells us:

1 Corinthians 7:31b (CSB) For this world in its current form is passing away.

Paul knew Jesus in the academic or worldly fashion. That means nothing in the big scheme of things. But Paul met the true risen Christ on that Damascus road and from that point on Paul tells us: “yet now we no longer know him in this way.” When we have the Spirit of God residing within us, we no longer see Jesus or anything in the world quite the same.