A New Creature in Christ
2 Corinthians 5:17
In this lesson we are going to look at what it means to be a new creature in Christ Jesus. As a part of this we will discuss some of the doctrinal aspects of salvation as well as some practical things that apply to us as a part of being a new creature in Christ Jesus.
Salvation and Being a New Creature
When we are saved there is a great change that takes place on the inside of us whether we realize it or not. This change is a direct result of being spiritually circumcised. This process is found in Colossians 2:9-13.
In the passage from Colossians, we see that as a part of salvation something is circumcised and that this circumcision is done by God. Note the following phrases from the passage.
- “the circumcision made without hands” (vs 11)
- “putting of the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ” (vs 11)
- “through the faith of the operation of God” (vs 12)
- “and you being dead in the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;” (vs 13)
What takes place during this circumcision?
In verse 13 we see that before salvation we are said to be dead in the uncircumcision of our flesh. So, the soul is stuck to the flesh before salvation, this is why in the Old Testament you will see the phrase “if a soul touch any unclean thing” (Leviticus 5:2). The soul could touch an unclean thing because it was attached to the flesh.
When a person is saved God takes and does an operation, note the passage said the circumcision without hands and the operation of God, and divides the soul from the flesh. The soul is still inside the flesh, but it is not connected to the flesh. This is what is meant in verse 11 when it says putting of the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ. You do not lose your physical body when you get saved but you do put it off of the soul.
All Things Are Become New
The second half of the verse says, “old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” This brings us to the second part of the lesson as a new creature in Christ Jesus we now have a dual nature inside of us. The is an Old Man and a New Man. This is why the word of God talks about a new man or an inner man being on the inside of a saved person (Colossians 3:9-10).
In Ephesians 4:24 we are told to put on the new man. This is a daily thing that we must do. We must strive to put off the old man and the things connected with the flesh. We must remember that we are a New Creature in Christ and allow the world to see the difference Jesus makes.
A New Creature in Christ : Handout
2 Corinthians 5:17
1) What is the simple message of 2 Corinthians 5:17?
2) Explain how the process of Spiritual Circumcision is part of what makes us a New Creature in Christ Jesus.
3) What does this mean for us practically in our everyday lives?