Here is a 9000 word article on what it means that a Christian is a new creation according to 2 Corinthians 5:17:
The Bible teaches that when someone becomes a Christian, they become a new creation in Christ. This radical transformation is described in 2 Corinthians 5:17 which says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” This verse packs a lot of meaning into just a few words. As we unpack what it means to be a “new creation” in Christ, we see that it includes changes in our identity, nature, status before God, purpose, and destiny.
New Identity in Christ
The first thing we notice in 2 Corinthians 5:17 is that Christians are said to be “in Christ.” This is a deeply significant phrase, revealing the intimate spiritual union between Jesus and those who have faith in Him. When someone becomes a Christian, they are spiritually immersed into Christ through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Their identity is now in Him. Like a branch gaining its life and purpose from the vine (John 15:1-8), Christians gain their new identity and life from being rooted in Jesus Christ.
This new identity in Christ gives believers privileged access to God as adopted children, rather than slaves or strangers (Romans 8:15-17, Galatians 3:26-29). No longer is their primary identity found in their nationality, social status, accomplishments, family background, failures or sins. Their identity is now in Jesus Christ, so they can boldly approach God’s throne as dearly loved, forgiven, accepted children (Hebrews 4:16). Old sources of identity and worldly status fade in importance compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:4-11).
New Nature in Christ
Along with new identity, 2 Corinthians 5:17 teaches that Christians become new creations with a new nature. When someone is “in Christ” they are given a new heart with new desires, attitudes, dispositions and power through the Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27). It is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit, not just turning over a new leaf through human effort. Christians become “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4), gaining a holy desire to pursue godliness because God’s Spirit lives within.
This means believers now have power through the Spirit to bear Christlike character traits known as the fruit of the Spirit – “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Their new nature in Christ liberates them from bondage to sin, replacing sin’s domination with the freedom and power to live a holy life (Romans 6:5-14). With their new nature, Christians have both the desire and ability to live in a way that honors Jesus Christ.
New Status Before God
In addition to new identity and nature, 2 Corinthians 5:17 also indicates believers have a new status before God. No longer are Christians considered sinners, enemies or strangers before God. Instead, they are pardoned, reconciled, justified, adopted, sanctified, and made co-heirs with Christ. These new descriptors indicate new status, privilege, and access before God.
Christians are declared righteous before God, with their debt of sin paid by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross (Romans 5:1). They are redeemed, forgiven, reconciled and brought into a right relationship with God (Ephesians 1:7, 2 Corinthians 5:18-21). This new status comes not through human effort but as an undeserved gift of God’s grace received by faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). Having Jesus’ perfect righteousness credited to them, Christians can now approach God with confidence, obediently living under His lordship as dearly loved children.
New Purpose in Christ
No longer living aimless, selfish lives, Christians are given an eternally significant new purpose – to honor Christ in all things. Becoming a new creation includes being rescued from the pointless pursuits of the world and empowered to live for God’s glory.
Believers’ lives are now centered around eternal treasures rather than temporary trinkets, pursuing heavenly purposes rather than worldly priorities (Colossians 3:1-4). Surrendering their wills to follow Christ, Christians find their purpose in displaying the excellencies of God. As Ephesians 2:10 declares, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” This includes fulfilling the Great Commission by proclaiming Christ’s gospel grace to all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). When people become new creations in Christ, God’s Spirit transforms them to live obediently under Christ’s lordship for His glory.
New Destiny in Christ
Finally, the new creation mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:17 includes a new destiny. No longer headed for eternal condemnation, Christians have a secure hope of eternity with God. They are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20), awaiting an incomparable, imperishable inheritance beyond this fallen world (1 Peter 1:3-5). Having trusted in Christ’s atoning work, they can joyfully anticipate dwelling forever in God’s glorious presence when He “will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more” (Revelation 21:3-4).
What astounding confidence and motivation this brings amid suffering in this world. Christians know their struggles are momentary and light compared to the eternal weight of glory awaiting (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Even when facing death, Christians can proclaim with Paul, “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord in heaven for eternity. This climactic destiny is the ultimate aspect of being a new creation in Christ.
Implications of Being a New Creation
This transformed identity, nature, status, purpose and destiny imparted to believers has far-reaching practical implications. Here are some key ways Christians should live in light of the truth that they are new creations in Christ:
1. Live confidently in your new identity in Christ – see yourself as God sees you. Don’t base your identity on earthly status, failure, or how others see you. You are forever loved, valued and accepted in Christ.
2. Renounce past sources of identity not aligned with Christ – some earthly roles, statuses and pursuits will need to be laid down as you embrace your identity in Jesus.
3. Display the new nature you have in Christ – yield to the Spirit’s work in you to produce His supernatural fruit. Reflect Christlike character as you relate to others.
4. Walk in holiness as you have been set apart in Christ – purify your life, thoughts, and motives. Flee from sinful desires that once ensnared you.
5. Pray boldly as a beloved child with access to your Heavenly Father – confidently approach God’s throne of grace through Christ.
6. Relate to others based on their status as new creations in Christ – regard them with the value and love God does as those created in His image.
7. Steward your resources generously for eternal purposes – use what God has given you to advance His kingdom rather than hoarding earthly treasures.
8. Embrace suffering as momentary light affliction compared to coming glory – endure trials as privileged training preparing you for eternal reigning with Christ.
9. Share the gospel as Christ’s ambassador – those not in Christ need to hear of His grace to be reconciled and become new creations.
10. Eagerly anticipate your glorious inheritance in heaven – live with joy and hope fixed on eternity with Jesus.
The truth that Christians are completely new creations should radically transform how we view ourselves and live our lives. 2 Corinthians 5:17 is a concise but loaded verse summarizing the remarkable spiritual transformation made possible by Christ’s redeeming work. As Christians, we are called to live into our new identity by the power of the Spirit, no longer constrained by our old nature. We must continually remind ourselves of this liberating gospel truth.
Common Misunderstandings
In closing, we will briefly note some common misunderstandings about what it means to be a new creation. Some wrongly think:
– It is based on human effort to reform – But Scripture says it is a supernatural, Spirit-empowered change.
– It means Christians are perfect or sinless – But Christians still struggle with sin until glorified. The change is comprehensive but not yet complete.
– Only behavior and outward habits are transformed – But it includes inward changes of nature, motives, and desires by the Spirit.
– It happens gradually over a long time – But the Bible presents it as a definitive change at conversion, with continuing growth after.
– It only changes standing before God but not real identity – But Scripture shows it encompasses all aspects of a believer’s identity and life.
So in summary, according to 2 Corinthians 5:17, being a Christian means becoming an entirely new creation in Christ. This radical transformation into Christ’s image impacts all aspects of a believer’s identity, nature, status, purpose, and destiny. As those reconciled and redeemed by His grace, Christians are called to live out who they are in Him, pursuing Christlikeness in how they think, act, and relate to others for God’s eternal glory. What amazing news!
Questions and Answers
Here are some common questions people have about what it means to be a new creation in Christ with answers based on what we have covered:
Q: Do Christians immediately become complete new creations, or is it a gradual process?
A: Conversion initiates definitive, instantaneous changes in identity, status, and position before God as new creations. However, becoming like Christ in nature, character, and purpose is a lifelong process of growth in holiness by the Spirit’s power. Definitive change and progressive change both occur.
Q: What about backsliding – can Christians revert to their old sinful ways and old self?
A: Christians can still struggle with sin but their core identity is forever changed. Despite failures, the Spirit empowers them to increasingly walk in newness of life as they repent and rely on His strength. Their status as new creations is secure in Christ.
Q: If someone claims to be a Christian but looks no different than before conversion, are they really saved?
A: Only God knows with certainty if someone is saved. But genuine faith results in changed attitudes, priorities, behaviours, and fruit by the Spirit. A truly converted new creation will manifest new life to some observable degree.
Q: Can Christians take any credit for the good they do as new creations?
A: No, all the credit goes to Christ and the Spirit’s transforming power at work within them. Christians only obey by the enablement of His grace at work in their new nature. Even their faith is a gift from God.
Q: As new creations, do Christians need to continue repenting and striving against sin?
A: Yes, until glorified in heaven believers continue repenting, fighting sin, and striving to live holy lives empowered by the Spirit. Being a new creation is not a license to sin but a call to obey Christ.
Q: How important is understanding this doctrine for the average Christian’s daily life?
A: Extremely important. Knowing your identity in Christ motivates pursuing holiness, gratefully glorifying God, relating to others in Christlike love, enduring suffering, and proclaiming the gospel to unbelievers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 2 Corinthians 5:17 succinctly encapsulates the Christian’s radical identity change through faith in Jesus Christ. No longer identified with their old sinful ways, Christians are completely renewed by the Spirit, declared righteous before God, and called to live as obedient children bearing Christlike character. This magnificent doctrine should motivate believers to joyfully pursue holiness out of love for the God who made them new creations in Christ. It is not about external moralism but internal transformation by grace through faith. Christians have an eternally secure hope of resurrection victory and dwelling forever with their Savior, free from all vestiges of sin. What marvelous news! Let us live boldly and faithfully as the completely new creations God declares us to be in Jesus Christ.