Introduction

New Year’s Eve – the time of year when we reflect on the past year. As for most people, 2024 has been full of blessings and challenges. Nevertheless, life goes on and tomorrow heralds a new year – a new beginning. That got me thinking. When a person puts their faith in Christ, they are made new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) says: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

I love how the AMP puts it: Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life]. We are reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit because a spiritual awakening brings a new life. In this post I want to explore five implications of our new life in Christ.

1. A Radical Transformation and New Identity

Being a new creation signifies a complete and utter transformation of one’s identity and nature. It’s not just about changing behaviors, but about a fundamental shift in how we view the world. The old self, with its sinful tendencies and desires, is replaced by a new self, guided by the Spirit of God. Sinful tendencies, deeply ingrained patterns, and the old self with its limitations and flaws are replaced by a new self, created in the image of God.

When we put our faith in Jesus, we now have God’s spirit residing in us, guiding us. We do not become sinless, but we sure sin less and less as we yield to the Spirit in all areas if our life. We now hate sin in our life, but thank God that all our sins (past, present and future) have been forgiven. Only Jesus led the perfect human life as He was sinless.

When the Father sees us, he sees the righteousness and sinlessness of Jesus. Romans 6:23 (ESV) says: For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. What an amazing free gift! What’s more, 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV) says: And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.

2. Freed From the Past

The “old things” aren’t just forgotten; they are passed away. This is incredibly liberating news. Guilt, shame, and the weight of past mistakes can be crippling. But for the believer, these chains are broken. The past no longer defines us. We are free to move forward, unburdened by the weight of our former selves. Did you know that? If not, let that sink in. Meditate on it. The truth shall set you free.

3. A Life Rooted in Christ

Being a new creation isn’t a solitary existence. It’s a life lived in intimate union with Christ and the Holy Spirit. The fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) – begin to manifest as we abide in Him. Moreover, as we slowly become more and more like Christ, we are holistically healed if we let go. Jesus came to give us life abundantly – meaning in all areas of life. Our God is a god of reconciliation and healing.

We may or may not be physically healed, but then again most healings are not physical. They are emotional, psychological and even rooted in past trauma. Maybe you were abused, neglected, forgotten, hated, mistreated, persecuted. And maybe as a result you have issues with trust, anger and relationships. Jesus came to give life abundantly and leave us with a peace that the world cannot give. Jesus says in John 14:27 (ESV): Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. Let Jesus heal and transform you.

4. A Call to Live Differently  

Being a new creation has practical implications for how we live. It calls us to live lives that reflect the character of Christ, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to be agents of reconciliation and transformation in the world. We should not love the things of this world. 1 John 2:15-17 (ESV) reads:

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life, is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is  passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

Romans 12:2 (ESV) says: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” And Ephesians 4:32 says (ESV): “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Believers should live to honor and bring glory to God in all areas of their life.

5. A Hope-Filled Future

The “new creation” isn’t a singular, instantaneous occurrence, but rather a continuous, dynamic process. It’s like a sculptor meticulously chiseling away at a block of marble, gradually revealing the masterpiece within. God, in His infinite wisdom and love, continually works within us, refining our character, addressing our weaknesses, and gradually conforming us to the image of His Son. This isn’t a passive process, however. We are active participants, cooperating with the Spirit through prayer, diligent study of God’s Word, and seeking His guidance in every decision.

This ongoing renewal provides a profound sense of hope that anchors our souls. Life inevitably presents challenges – setbacks, disappointments, and trials that can shake our faith. Yet, as we experience God’s consistent work of transformation, a deep-seated confidence emerges. We learn to trust that He is with us in every circumstance, that He is using these challenges to deepen our faith, strengthen our character, and equip us for greater service. This enduring hope empowers us to face adversity with courage, knowing that God is ultimately in control and that He is working all things together for our good.

Conclusion

To wrap things up, the new creation is a journey, not a destination. It’s a lifelong process of growing in our relationship with God, becoming more like Christ, and experiencing His transformative power in every area of our lives. This ongoing renewal provides a deep sense of hope, giving us the strength to face challenges and the confidence to live out our faith in the world.

This ongoing renewal provides a profound sense of hope that anchors our souls. Life inevitably presents challenges – setbacks, disappointments, and trials that can shake our faith. Yet, as we experience God’s consistent work of transformation, a deep-seated confidence emerges. We learn to trust that He is with us in every circumstance, that He is using these challenges to deepen our faith, strengthen our character, and equip us for greater service. This enduring hope empowers us to face adversity with courage, knowing that God is ultimately in control and that He is working all things together for our good.

What are your thoughts on 2 Corinthians 5:17? How has this verse impacted your life? Share your reflections in the comments below.

Watch this short video about being a new creation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzHuyf_8JYw

Read more Undoubting God posts here: https://undoubtinggod.com/blog/