We Are A New Creation In Christ

One of the things that Bill Johnson was speaking about on one of the teachings I was listening to, was that we are a new creation in Christ, literally a new race, or new species. I was familiar with some of that idea, but not to the depth that he was expressing, so I wanted to do some research this morning. The formative verse comes from 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!". The New King James Version reads, " Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." Which conveys the message a bit better.

David Guzman has a helpful commentary on this verse:

Jesus resurrection life gives us new life.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

a. If anyone: This is a promise for anyone. Anyone! It doesn't matter what class, what race, what nationality, what language, or what level of intelligence. Anyone can be a new creation in Jesus Christ!

b. Is in Christ: This is a promise for anyone who is in Christ. This is not a promise for those who are in themselves, or in the religion of men, or in someone or something else. This is for those in Christ!

c. He is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Paul here teaches the great principle of regeneration. Jesus Christ changes those who come to Him by faith, and who are in Christ. The saved are not "just forgiven." They are changed into a new creation.

This is an incredible thought, and one that is hard to fully comprehend. We are, according to Paul who was inspired by the Holy Spirit, made into new creatures when we unite ourselves to Jesus through repentance and confession of faith. We become like Christ, after His resurrection and like Christ, are something new, that only is possible in God. Guzman continues:

i. It is unfair for us to expect those who are not in Christ to live as if they were a new creation. However, it is not unfair to expect a changed life from people who say they are Christians! "I know no language, I believe there is none, that can express a greater or more thorough and more radical renewal, than that which is expressed in the term, 'a new creature.'" (Spurgeon)

ii. However, being a new creation doesn't mean that we are perfect. It means that we are changed, and that we are being changed.

d. Who makes us a new creation? This is something God alone can do in us. This isn't just "turning over a new leaf" or "getting your act together." But the life of a new creation is not something God does for us, but in us. So, we are told to put off . . . the old man, and to put on the new man which was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24).

i. Being a new creation is a gift from God received by faith. "God is surely the author of the second creation as he was of the first." (Harris) "A phrase which argueth the greatest change imaginable, and such a one as can be wrought in the soul by no other power than the power of God." (Poole)

Lord, help us to comprehend and embrace this incredible truth in our lives. We desire to experience the fullness of all that You have for us. Help us to change and become like You, constantly deciding to put off the old, and put on the new, embracing the regeneration that You made possible.