What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 5:17? Therefore “Therefore” links this promise to what Paul has just said (2 Corinthians 5:14-16). Because Christ “died for all” and rose again, everything changes. • The cross compels us: “For Christ’s love compels us” (v. 14). • The empty tomb assures us: “He was raised so that we might live for Him” (v. 15; cf. Romans 6:4). • So, Paul says, on the basis of Christ’s finished work, what follows is rock-solid (Ephesians 2:4-7). If anyone The invitation is wide open. • “Whoever believes in Him shall not perish” (John 3:16). • “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). • God “desires all men to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4). No pedigree, past, or personality disqualifies a person who comes to Jesus. Is in Christ Salvation is not merely adopting a creed; it is a living union with the Savior. • “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). • “All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:27). • Our life is “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). Being “in Christ” means His righteousness is ours, His Spirit indwells us, His future is our future. He is a new creation God doesn’t patch up the old; He makes something brand-new. • Jesus told Nicodemus, “You must be born again” (John 3:3). • “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10). • “A new creation has come—what counts is the new creation” (Galatians 6:15). This is instantaneous at conversion and progressively evident as we grow. The old has passed away The believer’s former identity, guilt, and bondage are gone. • “Our old self was crucified with Him” (Romans 6:6). • “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live” (Galatians 2:20). • We “have put off the old self with its practices” (Colossians 3:9-10). Sin’s penalty is canceled, and its power is broken; we no longer live under its rule (Romans 8:13). Behold, the new has come! Paul invites us to look—“Behold!”—at the miracle God has worked. • God gives “a new heart and a new spirit” (Ezekiel 36:26). • He says, “I am making everything new” (Revelation 21:5). • The fruit of the Spirit, new desires, and a fresh perspective on life testify that the new has arrived and is advancing day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16). summary Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, anyone who trusts Him is placed “in Christ,” instantly transformed into a brand-new creation. The believer’s old life, guilt, and enslavement to sin are gone, and an entirely new life has begun—marked by God’s Spirit, new desires, and eternal hope. |
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