2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This verse speaks to the transformative power of Christ’s love and redemption in our lives. Here is an illustration to help bring this concept to life:
Imagine a caterpillar who has spent its entire life crawling on the ground. It is content with its existence, but it longs for something more. One day, it begins to feel a stirring inside of it, a sense that there is more to life than just crawling on the ground. Slowly but surely, the caterpillar begins to spin a cocoon around itself, sealing itself off from the world.
Inside the cocoon, something incredible happens. The caterpillar undergoes a metamorphosis, transforming from a slow, crawling creature into a beautiful butterfly with wings that can carry it to new heights. When the butterfly emerges from the cocoon, it is no longer the same creature that went in. The old has gone, and the new is here.
In the same way, when we come to Christ, we undergo a transformation. We are no longer the same person we were before. Our old ways of thinking and living fall away, and we become a new creation in Christ. We are able to soar to new heights, experiencing the fullness of life that God intended for us.
Just as the butterfly can never go back to being a caterpillar, we too can never go back to our old ways of living. We are forever changed by the love and grace of Christ, and we are empowered to live a life that is full of purpose and meaning.
This illustration helps us to understand the transformative power of Christ’s love and redemption in our lives.
But what does it really mean to be a new creation in Christ? How does this affect your identity, your purpose, your relationships, and your daily life? In this blog post, I want to explore some of the implications and applications of this amazing truth.
First of all, being a new creation in Christ means that you have been forgiven and reconciled to God. The context of 2 Corinthians 5:17 is the message of reconciliation that Paul is proclaiming to the Corinthians. He says in verses 18-19: “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” (NIV)
This means that because of what Jesus did on the cross, God has removed the barrier of sin that separated us from him and has restored us to a relationship of peace and love with him. He no longer holds our sins against us, but has forgiven us and accepted us as his children. He has also given us the privilege and responsibility of sharing this good news with others, so that they too can experience his grace and mercy.
Secondly, being a new creation in Christ means that you have been transformed and renewed by the Holy Spirit. The word “creation” implies that something new has been brought into existence by God’s power and will. It is not just a superficial change or improvement, but a radical change of nature and essence. It is similar to what Jesus said to Nicodemus in John 3:3: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (ESV)
This means that when you put your faith in Christ, you receive a new life from the Holy Spirit, who dwells in you and makes you part of God’s family. He also begins to work in you to change your desires, your thoughts, your attitudes, and your actions to conform to God’s will and character. He gives you a new heart that loves God and loves others. He gives you a new mind that understands God’s truth and wisdom. He gives you a new spirit that worships God and serves him with joy.
Thirdly, being a new creation in Christ means that you have a new identity and destiny in God’s kingdom. The phrase “the old has gone, the new has come” implies that there is a contrast and a continuity between your past and your present. You are not the same person as you were before you met Christ, but you are also not completely disconnected from your history and background. You have a new perspective and purpose for your life that is based on who God says you are and what he has done for you.
This means that you are no longer defined by your sin, your failures, your circumstances, or your opinions of yourself or others. You are defined by your relationship with Christ, who loves you unconditionally and calls you his friend. You are also defined by your role in God’s kingdom, which is to glorify him and advance his cause in the world. You have a new hope and a new future that is secure in God’s promises and plans for you.
So how do we live as new creations in Christ? Here are some practical suggestions:
- Remember who you are in Christ. Remind yourself daily of your identity and destiny as God’s beloved child and servant. Speak God’s truth over yourself and reject any lies or accusations from the enemy or yourself.
- Renew your mind with God’s word. Read, study, meditate on, memorize, and apply the Scriptures to your life. Let God’s word shape your worldview and guide your decisions.
- Rely on God’s grace and power. Acknowledge your dependence on God for everything. Pray constantly and ask for his help and guidance. Trust him to work in you and through you according to his good purposes.
- Repent of any sin or disobedience. Confess any sin or wrongdoing to God and receive his forgiveness. Turn away from anything that hinders your relationship with him or harms others. Seek his cleansing and restoration.
- Rejoice in God’s goodness and faithfulness. Thank him for all his blessings and benefits in your life. Praise him for who he
