2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Consider this change, on account whereof Christians are new creatures in respect of — I. THE INWARD FRAME OF MIND. And this is what the Scripture calls a new heart, a new spirit, a renovation in the spirit of the mind, a transformation by the renewing of the Holy Ghost. There is a change in their — 1. Apprehensions. (1) They had once a notional sight only of the being and perfections of God; but now they appear to them the surest realities. (2) They once saw no beauty in Christ, nor were sensible of any need they stood in of Him; but He is now altogether lovely. (3) They once saw no great evil in sin; but it now appears an evil and bitter thing. (4) They once saw no great beauty in holiness; but it now appears the most amiable grace. 2. Purposes. Once the bent of their mind was towards the earth; it is now towards heaven. 3. Affections. There is a change in their — (1) Love. They now hate what they once loved, and vice versa.(2) Sorrow. The things which once moved their grief were worldly losses and crosses, pain in their bodies, etc. As for their sins, they were not grieved on account of them. But the new creation has wonderfully turned the channel of their sorrow. (3) Hope. This they once placed on the creature; but they now place it on the Creator. They had once no views beyond this earth; but they now reach to heaven. (4) Fear. The things which once moved their fear, were the threats of men, the frowns of the world, etc. They now fear God's displeasure more than anything else. They dare not now live in sin. (5) Anger. They were once angry with those who were a hindrance to them in sin; but they now love and thank them. Their anger is now turned against themselves. II. THE OUTWARD COURSE AND MANNER OF LIFE. They do not now live in sin as they once did; but "have put off concerning the former conversation, the old man," etc. And this reformation is sometimes so remarkable that it is taken notice of, and admired by others. But this change carries more in it than what is negative. It is a change not only from sin, but to holiness. That is, they live in the practice of the whole of their duty; all that duty they owe, either to God, their neighbour, or themselves. (C. Chauncey, A. M.) Parallel Verses KJV: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. |
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