2 Corinthians 5:17–A New Creature Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. This is a chapter of life and death. The apostle tells us first of all that believers also must experience death – physical death. Their “earthly house” is soon to be “dissolved”: the silver cord which ties body and soul together shall be loosed and the spirit shall return to God who gave it. Yet the prospect does not fill the child of God with fear. Rather he “groans” inwardly, longing eagerly for that day when he shall enter his heavenly home and be present with his beloved Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Make no mistake, death is to be feared if our sins are not forgiven: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (v.10). It was a knowledge of how fearful is the divine wrath against sin that drove the apostles on in their labours to bring their fellow-sinners to repentance. If physically we experience life followed by death then spiritually it is the other way round. We are all born into this world “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph.2:1). Because His people were “dead” Christ died in order that they might live – live unto Him (vv.14,15). To be truly converted means to be regenerated or to be made spiritually alive – to have the “earnest of the Spirit” – the token that we have a saving interest in Jesus Christ and a title to heaven. Regeneration is a work of God. He puts a new principle in the souls of His people, whereby their souls are made holy. This happens through a union with Jesus Christ, who has life in Himself and quickens whom He will (John 5:21,26). Faith, repentance and every other grace spring from the life of regeneration. True Christians are new creatures. This indicates a most profound change. Regeneration is a work of omnipotence, like the first creation. It too is performed in conjunction with the word of God: “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2Cor.4:6). We remain the same persons of course, we are still flesh and blood creatures, but our souls are renewed. This is utterly essential if we are to enjoy eternal life, for “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Are all things become new to you? Has the Spirit of God so worked in you that you possess the new thoughts, desires, joys and hopes of a believer? Or are you still consumed by the old, weary and worn things of a sinful and passing world? Seek the Saviour who promises to those who find Him life, and that “more abundantly” – or else you must perish eternally in your sins.