"A new creation..."
Text: 2 Corinthians 5:17
CREATION
The Scriptures certainly teach us that God is the Creator. He created both the universe and all living beings, including mankind. Man was a special creation of God. He was made in the image of God (Genesis 1-2).
THE PROBLEM OF SIN
The problem of sin was recorded in the Scriptures (Genesis 3). Sin entered into the world through Adam and with the passing of the years, sin has reigned, causing untold damage and destruction.
A NEW CREATION NEEDED
No solution could be found. Man’s best efforts at reforming himself failed. A divine solution was obviously needed.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,
he is a new creation; old things have passed away;
behold, all things have become new.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
1. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ”
a) Christ Himself was God’s answer.
b) The individual has to be found “in Christ”.
i) There must be faith in Christ (John 1:12).
ii) The believer becomes a child of God.
c) Through faith in Christ (Titus 2:11-14)
i) Through grace we have salvation in Christ.
ii) Christ has given Himself for us. (As the Lamb of God who takes away our sin.)
iii) He has redeemed us from our sins (“lawless deeds”).
iv) He purifies and makes us His own special people.
2. “He is a new creation”
a) This is not a physical creation.
b) God has given us a new nature, called “a new man” (Colossians 3:10).
3. “Old things have passed away”
a) The old sinful ways are gone.
b) The desire and inclination to sin has died.
4. “All things have become new”
a) The new nature has been made according to the image of Christ (Colossians 3:10-11).
b) There is a renewed desire for knowledge of God (Colossians 3:10).
c) This new nature desires to pursue true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24).
d) The spirit of the new must be cultivated (Ephesians 4:23).