2 Corinthians 5:17 Devotional

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
-2 Corinthians 5:17

Have you ever wished that you could have a new life? Whether it is the reality of your present circumstances, the ghosts of your past, or the uncertainty of your future, sometimes it’s appealing to wish that you could wake up tomorrow with a brand new life. All of today’s problems gone and a future full of promises.

Too good to be true?

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17

When Jesus died and rose again, He promised to send His Spirit to dwell within those who declared Him Lord and Savior. When the Spirit comes to live inside believers, they are made into “new creations” – made clean spiritually from their sin and shame.

How can we understand this new creation? The gospel of John says that the new birth that comes with faith in Jesus is similar to the creation of the world. God took nothing and breathed new something into the darkness, full of light and life. It is the same for us! Through Christ, God doesn’t only clean us up – He creates our lives brand new. Our old sins are gone forever, forgotten by the God who alone can destroy evil.

What does our new creation life look like? The things of the world that filled our lives – pride, sin, lusts, gossip, habits, and passions – all are gone and replaced with the new person in Christ Jesus. As new creatures, we live our lives for God rather than ourselves. The old things have died, and are now nailed to the cross along with our sin nature.

In writing to the Corinthians, Paul wanted to remind these young believers of their status as a new creation. While the world around them seemed dark, they could take hope and courage knowing that before God they stood clean and pure.

If you are a new creation, how will you live your life differently? What old habits and addictions can you leave behind now that you have been made new in Christ? When you understand your status as a new creation, tomorrow is full of promise and hope!

Questions For Reflection on 2 Corinthians 5:17

#1 Think back on the story of creation in Genesis 1. How did God respond to His work each day? How does that apply to you if you are also one of God’s new creations?

#2 If you woke up tomorrow knowing that all of your sins, shame and secrets were gone forever – even before God Almighty – how would you spend your day? Who do you know that needs to hear this hope today?

Prayer

Jesus, I thank you for making me a new creation in You. Your life is now mine, and my old ways are no more. Help me to live my life knowing that I am a perfect and holy creation. Let me lean on You to walk away from those ways of living that do not honor You or increase my faith. May my boasting of my weakness show the world that You are truly the Lord of my life and more powerful than my past, present, or future!