TEXT: 2Cor 5:17
PREACHER: Pastor Bodunrin Timothy
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
This verse is part of Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, in which he defended his ministry and encourages believers to live in light of their reconciliation with God.
Paul explains that believers should no longer view life from a worldly perspective because Christ’s death and resurrection have transformed everything.
Apostle Paul establishes in our opening scripture that anyone that bridged the gap between him and Jesus to create a relationship and share in the death, resurrection, and life of Jesus Christ has a new life (Romans 6:3-5)
Romans 6:3-5
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
The new birth implies something fresh, unprecedented and transformed. It is not just a repaired or improved life but a completely renewed identity, nature and purpose. (Eph 2:1-3)
Eph 2:1-3
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
EVIDENCE OF THE NEW BIRTH
Personal transformation (Eph 4:24) This implies that you now live in the realm of spiritual renewal, walking in righteousness.
Eph 4:24
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Sanctification (Ph 1:6): Though salvation is instantaneous, living as a new creation is an ongoing process in holiness.