I remember the first Bible verse I intentionally learned. It was 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If any man is in Christ Jesus, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, the new has come.”
This verse is simple to understand, but it is filled with deep and significant meaning. Ever since I learned the verse, I have been seeking to know the depths what it means.
As I study Scripture, I like to ask questions about meaning. To be “in Christ” means that I am a new creation. What makes me new? I see at least four major contributors to our newness in Christ.
First, God’s plan to save His people is the basis for our being new. From the very beginning, God has planned the redemption of sinful people. Simon Peter stated it with power: our redemption came by “the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him and so your faith and hope are in God” (1 Peter 1:19–21).
Second, we are new because of the sacrifice of Christ. We have been saved by the precious blood of Jesus. He became the perfect sacrifice for our sin, a sacrifice without spot or blemish.
Third, God’s righteousness makes us new. Because we live in Christ Jesus and He lives in us we have received the righteousness of God: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Fourth, we are made new by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Because God gave us His Spirit when we trusted Christ, we experience the newness and freshness of God each day. We are blessed to experience the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
The Spirit convicts us of sin and righteousness and gently leads us to obedience and faith. His ministry points us in the ways of God and renews our spirit daily.
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2 Responses
“In Christ”
I was “in Adam” when he sinned ~ what some call ‘original sin’ ~ that is not difficult for many to believe.
Likewise, I was “in Christ” when he was on the cross, (I was in Him, that is how my sins are forgiven past, present and future) therefore, it is not I who live, but Christ (no longer Adam) who lives in me. Where am I? I am in Christ, seated at the right hand of the Father. He did not leave us orphans, the Holy Spirit resides in my heart. That is what it means to me to be “in Christ” 🙂
Very inspiring