2 Corinthians 5:17; If Any Man Be in Christ

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

William MacDonald said well what this verse does not mean, “This verse is a favourite with those who have recently been born again, and is often quoted in personal testimonies. Sometimes in being thus quoted, it gives quite a false impression. Listeners are apt to think that when a man is saved, old habits, evil thoughts, and lustful looks are forever done away, and everything becomes literally new in a person’s life. We know that this is not true. The verse does not describe a believer’s practice but rather his position. Notice it says that if anyone is in Christ. The words in Christ are the key to the passage. In Christ, old things have passed away and all things have become new. Unfortunately, “in me” not all this is true as yet! But as I progress in the Christian life, I desire that my practice may increasingly correspond to my position. One day, when the Lord Jesus returns, the two will be in perfect agreement.”

Life with God begins with faith in Christ. When we repent of our sins and turn to Christ in faith, the Spirit of God indwells us. We have spiritual life! We are a new creature in Christ. We seek to walk in the Spirit and we may not fulfil the lusts of the flesh. Such a life of dependence is the blessed new life of the believer. We put away the old habits and put on righteousness. One believer remarked, “I have to record the new bible verses I learn on my handphone so that I do not forget. Verses that guide me in my new Christian walk.” He was happy because God’s wisdom is so apt to instruct him in the ways of God.

May the Lord bless us on our journey to be more like Christ. Amen.