By Robert L. Olsen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Becoming New
2 Corinthians 5:16–21, 6:1–2
Reborn (5:16–17)
We live in a world where magazine covers show pictures of men and women who are “flawless” and the advertisers tell us we need to be like them. Some men and women even try to find their “true self” by having gender reassignment surgery to fulfill their true desire. The tragedy of this is that all of these strivings are futile because the only way to find our true identity is in Jesus Christ.
One can see this in the life of Paul. Paul was on the road to Damascus looking to arrest Christians when Jesus appeared as a bright light, spoke to him, and changed him and his desires (see Acts 9:1–9).
Paul found he was a new creation because he now identified with Christ, leading him to pen one of the most profound verses in the entire Bible, 1 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Look, new things have come.”
Paul emphasizes that the gospel brings hope for all people. Anyone who chooses to follow Christ and accept the gospel is a new creation. All sins are forgiven, and we are free to live a life pleasing to God.
This is why Jesus spent so much time with sinners — because they recognized their need for forgiveness which only He could provide. Because of this forgiveness we need to share this good news. The most vile wretched sinner can be made completely new regardless of past action, race or culture.
Reconciled (5:18–21)
The root of being a new creation in Christ is that our sins are forgiven and we are now God’s ambassadors, representing Christ here on earth. This is a vital task and we need to always remember our duty as ambassadors. Just like an ambassador to a country needs to act in a way that accurately reflects the attitudes and beliefs of the country he or she represents, we need to be sure to live in a way that is pleasing to God.
Loving our neighbors, being kind and compassionate to one another and forgiving each other are all ways that Christians can show the love of God and stand out from the culture.
Our culture is one that seeks to lord victory over opponents and mock those who fail. This is not the way of a Christ follower. Living for God will make us stand out from the culture and give us a chance to be witnesses for Christ.
Of course, we can do this because we have been reconciled to God. In fact, Paul says that the Father has placed our sin upon the sinless one — Christ — so that His wrath can be appeased. God hates sin and must punish it.
Christ lived a sinless life and then died in our place, substituting Himself for us so that those who accept this and believe in this have their sins atoned for by this work of Christ on a cross. Because of Christ’s sinlessness He is able to be our perfect substitute.
Ready (6:1–2)
Since the gospel is so important, it is vital that we represent Christ accurately and present the gospel to others. Our actions influence how others perceive the gospel, so we need to live godly lives in Christ Jesus.
It also is imperative that we seek to tell others about Jesus so they too can be reconciled to God. The Bible is clear that Jesus is the only way for humans to be reconciled (see Acts 4:12) so we need to make the most of every opportunity to tell others.
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