Lord’s Library editors offer this 2 Corinthians 5:17 meaning and commentary with supporting Scriptures for your edification.
To obtain a 2 Corinthians 5:17 meaning, see the verse in Scripture: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Here one can see the truly transformative power of salvation by grace through faith in the Finished Work of Jesus Christ. As it is written, faith in Jesus Christ fundamentally changes man’s soul.
To be “in Christ” means to be spiritually united with Him through faith in His Blood Atonement. This cannot be achieved by works of righteousness, deeds of the Law, or ‘holy’ efforts but by grace through faith, as Ephesians 2:8-9 illustrates: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
When a person believes in Jesus Christ, they are placed into His body. See 1 Corinthians 12:13: “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” This union with Christ is permanent and results in a completely new identity in His name.
If Any Man Be In Christ He’s A New Creation Verse
The phrase “he is a new creature” signifies a real change. Salvation is not about ‘turning over a new leaf’ like the secular world likes to portend but being completely made new by the power of God. Read now John 3:3: “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
The new birth is a work of God in which a sinner is regenerated in the eyes of God, given a new heart, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. See Titus 3:5: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”
“Old things are passed away” refers to the believer’s former life of sin. Condemnation and bondage to sin are removed because Christ has paid the full penalty on the cross, even though we fall. Romans 8:1 declares it: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
The believer is no longer under the wrath of God but has been reconciled through Christ’s Finished Work. See 2 Corinthians 5:18: “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;”
“Behold, all things are become new” speaks of the believer’s new nature and direction in life. Though they still live in a fallen world and battle the flesh, they have been given a new spiritual life and are empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in righteousness See Romans 6:4: “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
The believer’s priorities shift from self-centered living to Christ-centered living, as one can read in Galatians 2:20: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Lord's Library is a Christian resource hub. Our editors use a variety of internet research methods like search engines, audio and video, AI, consultations with ministry leaders in the field, and more. Lord's Library should never be a substitute for reading your Bible daily as the Scriptures are to be our final authority on all matters. Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
- The Gift of God is Eternal Life Through Jesus Christ Meaning - February 22, 2025
- No Man Comes to the Father Except Through Me Bible Verse - February 22, 2025
- According to His Mercy He Saved Us Bible Verse - February 22, 2025
