”Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17New International Version (NIV)
2 Corinthians 5:17 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come
2 Corinthians 5:17 contains the words “if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come“. That is, when you receive Christ, and live for Him (2 Corinthians 5:15), then you are a new creation. And this is how we are to regard anyone that is in Christ.
Therefore, when you are in Christ , you become like Him. You progressively take on His likeness as you follow and obey Him.
Consequently, and beautifully, this mirrors what took place at Creation when God made man in His image (Genesis 1:26). And through Jesus Christ, you can take up His image.
Restoration
Furthermore, the prophet Isaiah, in Isaiah 43 and 65, addressed the subject of Israel’s restoration. He wrote that their restoration was part of the theme of Israel’s second exodus according to his development of the same in chapters 40 to 66. And Paul alludes to Isaiah 43:18-19 where Isaiah exhorted Israel to focus on God’s new things for them.
Partaker of the promises of the New Covenant
Additionally, when you are a new creation, you are a partaker of the promises of the new covenant that Jesus Christ instituted on the cross. And the implication of this fact is that you are:
- Included in the citizenship of Israel
Ephesians 2:12 categorically states that “you are included in the citizenship of Israel and part of the new covenant promises, and with hope and God in the world”.
- A child of God
1 John 3:1-2 reveals that “you should be called a child of God, because that is what you are”.
- Not condemned
John 3:18 states that “Whoever believes in him is not condemned”.
Paul’s conversion
Consequently, the apostle Paul reached a point where he no longer regarded someone according to the flesh (2 Corinthians 5:16a). That is, according to worldly point of view or the standards and values devoid of the spiritual realities of our lives. Because one’s life is affected by the happenings in the spiritual places (Ephesians 6:12).
Additionally, before his conversion, Paul perceived that Jesus had died for His own sins. He, therefore, disdained the cross because it contradicted Jesus’ messianic claims and put down Israel’s nationalistic hopes.
But after Paul’s conversion, he perceived that Jesus had died for the sins of His people. He, therefore, preached that Jesus’ suffering (as the Messiah) changed His peoples lives to live for Him (Matthew 7:21).
Therefore, Paul regarded everyone according to the Spirit. And this is because the New Covenant that Jesus Christ instituted featured the pouring out of the Spirit of God upon men.
Reconciliation
Furthermore, the Bible teaches that God reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ. And He thereafter gave Paul and his associates the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18).
Prayer/Blessing
Thank You God the Father for availing me the opportunity to be a new creation through faith in Jesus Christ. I do appreciate Your grace and kindness toward me in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Ephesians 4-6 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
