2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” This verse teaches us that when someone becomes a Christian, they become a new person spiritually. Their old sinful nature dies, and they are made new in Christ. Let’s explore this verse more deeply.
The Context of 2 Corinthians 5:17
Paul wrote 2 Corinthians to defend his ministry against false teachers who had infiltrated the church at Corinth. In chapter 5, Paul explains that all believers will one day stand before Christ to be judged for how they lived their lives on earth. Because of this coming judgment, Paul strives to persuade people to believe in Jesus and live righteously (2 Corinthians 5:11).
Paul then explains in verse 17 that those who are “in Christ” become new creations. They are transformed spiritually when they place their faith in Christ. This spiritual transformation is a central theme of 2 Corinthians 5 as Paul defends his ministry of calling people to salvation in Christ.
What Does “In Christ” Mean?
“In Christ” means to be united to Christ by faith. When someone trusts in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they become spiritually connected to Him. Though they remain physically the same person, their inner being is renewed and transformed by the indwelling Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9-11). From God’s perspective, they have become a new creation.
The Old Has Passed Away
The “old” refers to our old sinful nature inherited from Adam. Before salvation, we were enslaved to sin, headed for God’s judgment (Ephesians 2:1-3). But when we trust in Christ, our old self is crucified with Him, putting sin to death in our lives (Romans 6:6). With our old nature put off at the cross, we are no longer condemned sinners but new creatures in Christ (Romans 8:1).
Some key verses about the old nature passing away include:
- Colossians 3:5-10 – Our old sinful practices have been laid aside like old clothes, and we are clothed with our new self in Christ.
- Galatians 2:20 – Our old self is crucified with Christ so that we might live for Him.
- Romans 6:6 – Our old self was crucified with Him in order that our body of sin might be brought to nothing.
In summary, the “old” that has passed away is our old identity in Adam – depraved, enslaved to sin, and condemned before God. Through faith in Christ, God puts this old nature to death and makes us alive in our new identity in Christ.
Behold, the New Has Come!
Not only is our old nature put off, but something new is put on – a new nature created after the likeness of Christ (Ephesians 4:24). What are some key aspects of this new nature in Christ?
- A new heart that desires to obey God (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
- A new mind that thinks God’s thoughts (1 Corinthians 2:16)
- A new spirit that has fellowship with God (Romans 8:15-16)
- New desires to seek heavenly things (Colossians 3:1-3)
- New power through the Spirit to overcome sin (Romans 8:13)
In Christ, we are completely renewed from the inside out! Some key verses about the new creation include:
- Ephesians 2:10 – We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.
- 2 Corinthians 3:18 – We are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory.
- 1 John 3:1-3 – We are God’s children who will be like Christ when He appears.
What a glorious truth! In Christ, we are made totally new spiritual creatures empowered to grow in holiness and reflect God’s character to the world.
We Become New Immediately But Also Progressively
This renewal in Christ happens immediately at salvation but also progressively over time. The moment we first believe, we pass from spiritual death into new spiritual life. But we must also continue to put off the old and put on the new as we grow in Christ (Colossians 3:5-17). Sanctification is both an event at conversion and an ongoing process.
Key verses about this include:
- 1 Corinthians 6:11 – We were washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of Jesus and by the Spirit of God.
- Philippians 1:6 – He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ.
- Romans 12:2 – We are being transformed by the renewing of our minds.
In summary, sanctification begins immediately at salvation but continues throughout our walk with Christ as we increasingly reflect His character.
We Are New Creations Positionally and Practically
This renewal in Christ has both positional and practical aspects. Positionally, we are totally new creatures in God’s sight – clothed in Christ’s righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). But practically, we must live out this new identity each day by relying on the Spirit to produce His fruit in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23).
Key verses include:
- 1 Corinthians 1:30 – Christ became for us wisdom from God and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.
- Romans 6:11 – Consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ.
- Titus 2:11-12 – The grace of God trains us to renounce ungodliness as we wait for our blessed hope.
Positional renewal happens instantly. Practical renewal requires our daily cooperation with God’s Spirit to live righteously.
We Become New Inwardly First then Outwardly
This renewal starts by changing our inner person – our mind, will, desires, and identity. Only then can our outward actions follow in obedience by the power of the Spirit. As Jesus said, “Clean the inside of the cup first, and then the outside will be clean also” (Matthew 23:26).
Key verses include:
- Psalm 51:10 – God creates in us a clean heart and renews a right spirit within us.
- Romans 7:22 – In my inner being I delight in God’s law.
- Ephesians 3:16 – He strengthens our inner being with power through His Spirit.
In summary, God makes us new creations starting on the inside – renewing our hearts to love Him – so our outward actions will follow in obedience.
We Are Being Conformed to Christ’s Image
The goal of this renewal is for us to bear the image of Jesus Christ, the perfect man. As new creations, we are to increasingly reflect His character of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Key verses include:
- Romans 8:29 – God predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son.
- 2 Corinthians 3:18 – We are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory.
- 1 John 3:2 – When Christ appears, we shall be like Him.
Being a new creation in Christ means our entire lives are reoriented toward becoming like Jesus for eternity.
This Renewal Brings Us Into a Right Relationship with God
The goal of our renewal in Christ is to be rightly related to God – to know Him intimately as Father and to walk in fellowship with Him by the Spirit. We are brought from being enemies under God’s wrath into being beloved children under His mercy and grace.
Key verses include:
- Romans 5:10-11 – While enemies we were reconciled to God through Christ’s death.
- Galatians 4:4-7 – God sent His Son to redeem us from slavery that we might receive adoption as sons.
- 1 Peter 3:18 – Christ died for sins once for all to bring us to God.
This renewal repairs our broken relationship with God so we can know Him personally and walk closely with Him each day.
Applications of This Truth
How should this wonderful truth transform how we live each day? Here are some key applications:
- Thank God continually that He has made you a new creation in Christ.
- Put off sinful habits from your old self and put on righteous habits fitting your new self.
- Draw near to God daily in prayer and Bible study to deepen your relationship with Him.
- Rely on the Holy Spirit’s power to produce Christlike character in your life.
- Tell others about Christ so they too can become new creations.
2 Corinthians 5:17 is a precious promise of the radical spiritual transformation Christ brings. As new creations, we can live with hope, purpose, and power each day knowing the old has gone and the new has come!