A new creation in Christ

We look at what Paul says about our position: “If anyone is in Christ.” Many are without Christ, which makes every other good and privilege to be ultimately dust and ashes in our mouths. There are those who are with Christ, and they are enjoying the blessings of being in the very presence of the risen Jesus. But no one will be with Christ without being first in Christ - united to him by a saving connection, enjoying new life in him.

Then there is the matter of our condition: “new creation.” This speaks of a radical, thorough, divinely-worked reality, in which the Almighty works not with nothing but against everything in us to change our antagonism and give us a new heart. Men try to rehabilitate, but only God can regenerate. We must be a new creation before we can live as one: we cannot earn new creation by trying to live like Christians. Salvation comes first.

Finally, Paul offers an explanation: “the old has gone and is gone for good; look! the new has come and keeps on coming.” The old nature has been dethroned and Christ reigns. A transformation has taken place - the Christian has new light, understanding, will, desire, purpose and destiny. There is a note of wonder as the persecutor-turned-preacher marvels at God’s grace in Jesus Christ in saving sinners from the darkness and bringing them into his marvellous light.