LETS STOP TALKING ABOUT THE PAST...BEHOLD, HE MAKES ALL THINGS NEW IN CHRIST... 17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NASB PRAYING FOR GODS REVELATION through A Few Applications: Paul too preached that Jesus’ suffering as the Messiah changed his people’s lives: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (5:17a). But for Paul this change does not lead to a super-spirituality in terms of spiritual experience. Rather than still belonging to this world and its ways, all those in Christ are a “new creation,” which means that they have already participated in the passing away of the old age and the arrival of the new (lit., “new things”). The “new things” that have happened in Christ, however, are not private, spiritual experiences, but a new way of life that derives from the reorientation described in 5:15. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. Becoming a “new creation” does not refer to becoming a new kind of “super-spiritual” human being, but to becoming like Christ. The “new creation” of a people who live for Christ by living for others is the beginning of the restoration of God’s people under the new covenant. “Do not remember the former things, and do not discuss the old things. Behold I make new things”. Paul too had experienced the reality of this new creation first-hand, having been forgiven by Christ on the road to Damascus. Against its Old Testament backdrop, Paul’s affirmation that the new creation is being realized “in Christ” does not refer simply to a potential for the future. It also includes the life-transforming reality that has invaded this age, determining the lives of those who are now a part of it. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 New International Version Hence, whatever the “new things” are in 5:17, they must certainly include a new life of growing obedience to God brought about by the Spirit. Reflecting the image of God, BUILDING A ALL THINGS NEW CULTURE OF GREATNESS IN GODS EYES... ONE FAMILY ONE TEAM ONE FIGHT IN CHRIST! All Things New - Elevation Worship w/ Lyrics https://youtube/watch?v=cysTVzoajM4
Posted on: Thu, 28 Aug 2014 13:29:49 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015