Second Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” If you have a KJV or NKJV Bible translation, you’ll see that the phrase “he is a” in italics. The reason there are italics is because those words aren’t in the original Greek. A more literal translation would be: “if anyone is in Christ, new creation.” My question is why the translators decided to put it “he is a.” Many Christians use this verse to say that we personally and individually have changed from the inside-out. And while the Bible gives other verses saying that those who trust Jesus have been given new hearts to love and follow God, I don’t believe this verse is saying that. Instead, whenever the phrase “new creation” is used, it’s referring to something broader and bigger. And what Paul is saying here in 2 Corinthians 5 is that if you are in Christ, you are a part of something big. You are a part of the new creation! Think about that, Ventura.
We humans long to be a part of something bigger than themselves. We want to know our lives matter and that we have greater hope. This verse shares that hope. If you are in Christ, you are a part of the new creation! All the bad, sad, wicked things are unraveling and becoming untrue. Someday, everything will be restored and made perfect, and in that new creation we are going to dwell with God – the eternal One. Even right now, you are a part of Jesus’ work as he rescues people and makes them to be citizens of His Kingdom, his new creation! Talk about glory! If you are in Christ, new creation!
As I think of this, I’m reminded of when I was a child, longing for our summer vacation. I’d dream about it daily with excitement. The new creation is infinitely more glorious! We should long for it with greater delight and cause us to worship God daily for his mercy and grace to us.