2 Corinthians 5:17, English Standard Version

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

After I came to know Jesus, I went through a period of adjustment and began to gain an understanding of what it means to be a new creation in Christ. By the grace of God, I am still walking with Him and are with others who desire to draw closer to Him and learn His word. During these nearly sixteen years, I have witnessed many who have come into a deep and intimate relationship with the Lord. They are chasing after Him and His will and as a result their lives are transforming into a new creation just as the Lord has said! However, there are also some who are dragging their feet, circling around the same old places, and looking back (just like Lot’s wife) and the Israelites wandering in the wilderness. What’s causing this difference?

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

First, look at the word “if”. There is not only Christ’s decision to make, but the decision everyone must make. Jesus instructed us saying, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’” (John 3:5-7, NIV) If we are a new creation, the old has passed away (do you see the past tense?), and the new has come. The old is born and built through our flesh, and the new is a transformation that comes only through the Spirit of God. In the original language, transformation is the word metamorphosis. You cannot look at a butterfly and recognize its old appearance. It is also impossible for them to make another cocoon, crawl back down on the earth, and become a caterpillar again. In order to have the Holy Spirit do His transformation work in and through us, it calls for a change of mind.

“And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].” (Romans 12:2, AB)

It means the past, our old self, is nothing compared to our new life. Our old lives are nothing but memories of the old world and the way that we lived in it. A new creation is not renewed just so it can crawl back into our old mindset, but for living out the good, acceptable, and perfect plan and the purpose God has given us.

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18-19, ESV)

Do you hear what I hear? Fly so you can see!