New Creation in Christ

2 Corinthians 5:17

Jody Robertson",

May 25, 2025

2 Corinthians 5:15 says that Christ died for "all." That includes you. Realize He died particularly and especially for you. 

Before being in Christ, you were self-centered. You were born a narcissist. All babies are completely self-centered. Learning to grow out of selfishness is at the heart of our spiritual journey. We are to grow to a life of JOY - Jesus first, Others second, You third. The only true hope for anyone is the glorious hope of Christ who is in you. 

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 states that we are all baptized into one body, the body of Christ, the church. Being in Christ, we leave, die to, our old life and rise to, are transformed to, a new life and come into a new community, the church. (note Romans 6:3,4) We now have the option daily to choose to do right. 

What is considered significant in the world's secular life will not last. (1 John 2:15-17) As we grow in Christ, those passions in us decline. Our identity was in our pursuits, positions, and power. Now, it is in being a servant to God and others. 

But now, a question inevitably arises. Why do I struggle if all this is true and I am a new creation? 

The answer is yes, we do have a new spirit that came when we were born again, but we also still have our old nature. How we act is greatly affected by our nature, the DNA in us that goes back to fallen Adam. It is also significantly affected by nurture, the environment constantly all around us. So, as James 1:13-18 tells us, we are tempted when we are "lured and enticed by our owndesires." So, we do what we don't want to do and fail to do what we want to do. (Romans 7:15f)

However, what we do is not what we are. It is not our true identity. What counts is what Jesus did and what the Holy Spirit is doing in us. By God's grace, we can be changed. (note 1 Corinthians 6:9-11) You can choose. So, choose to trust and wait on the Lord. 

Summary prepared by Elton Nelson