How does John 3:3 connect with 2 Corinthians 5:17 about becoming a new creation? Seeing and Entering: The Birth Jesus Describes John 3:3 — “Jesus replied, ‘Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’” • “Born again” is not a metaphor for gradual improvement; it is a decisive, Spirit-wrought birth from above (John 1:13; Titus 3:5). • The verb tense points to a once-for-all event that plants entirely new life within a person. • Without this new birth, Jesus says the kingdom of God remains invisible and inaccessible. Old Gone, New Arrived: The Creation Paul Unveils 2 Corinthians 5:17 — “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!” • “In Christ” identifies the sphere of union where the new creation exists (Romans 8:1). • “New creation” echoes Genesis language—God speaks, and something that did not exist now does (Ephesians 2:10). • “The old has passed away” underscores a real, irreversible break with the person you were in Adam (Colossians 3:9–10). One Event, Two Windows • John 3:3 shows the entry point: birth from above by the Spirit. • 2 Corinthians 5:17 shows the outcome: a recreated life united to Christ. • Both speak of the same miracle—regeneration—viewed from different angles: – John focuses on the necessity for kingdom sight. – Paul focuses on the identity that flows from union with Christ. • Ezekiel 36:26–27 predicted both halves: “I will give you a new heart… and put My Spirit within you.” Evidence That the Birth Has Happened • New desires: hunger for God’s Word (1 Peter 2:2). • New power: victory over sin’s dominion (Romans 6:14). • New affections: love for fellow believers (1 John 3:14). • New purpose: ambassador for reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18–20). • New practice: walking in the good works God prepared (Ephesians 2:10). Living Consistently With the New Creation • Remember: the change is positional and practical—God has made you new; now put on the new self daily (Ephesians 4:24). • Renew your mind with Scripture so the inner reality shapes outward behavior (Romans 12:2). • Rely on the Spirit who birthed you; the power that raised Christ now energizes your walk (Romans 8:11). • Reject condemnation that dredges up the “old”; it has passed away (Romans 8:1). • Reflect Christ’s character so others glimpse the kingdom you now see. |
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