When we talk about being a “new creation” in Christ, it’s not just a change in behavior or a slight shift in our attitudes—it’s a total transformation. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This verse isn’t simply a nice slogan; it’s a promise that when we’re in Christ, everything changes. Today, I want to explore what these “new things” look like in the life of a believer. There are several key aspects Paul highlights in this chapter, and each offers us a glimpse into the transformative power of the gospel.
A New Aim: To Please the Lord (v. 9, R.V.)
The first thing that changes in this new life is our aim. Before Christ, we might have lived for ourselves, seeking personal success, recognition, or comfort. But now, our goal shifts. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:9, “So we make it our goal to please Him.” Our new aim is to please the Lord. This isn’t about a fear-driven desire to earn His love; it’s a response to the love He has already shown us. We realize that His ways are higher than ours and that a life lived for Him is the only life truly worth living.
Think about it—when our aim is to please God, it changes how we make decisions.
Whether it’s in our work, relationships, or how we use our time, we start asking different questions: “Does this honor God?” “Is this something that would please Him?” It’s an attitude shift from “What’s best for me?” to “What’s best in God’s eyes?” Living to please the Lord means we are no longer seeking approval from people but from God alone. It’s liberating! When our aim is centered on God, we find a peace that the world cannot give, because we’re living out the purpose for which we were created.
A New Association: Oneness with the Lord (v. 14)
Next, Paul talks about our new association. In 2 Corinthians 5:14, he says, “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.” This is more than just being friends with Jesus; it’s about becoming one with Him. We are now united with Christ in His death and resurrection. This oneness means that our lives are no longer isolated from God; instead, they are interwoven with His purpose and mission.
When we are “compelled by love,” we no longer live for ourselves. This association with Christ moves us from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness. It’s a new perspective that changes how we see everything. When we’re one with Christ, we look at people differently. We see them as God sees them—worthy of love and compassion. This unity also gives us strength and courage because we know we are never alone. The challenges we face are not ours to bear alone; Christ bears them with us. This new association with Christ provides us with a sense of belonging that the world can never offer.
A New Attitude: Living for Him (v. 15)
With a new aim and association comes a new attitude. Paul says in verse 15, “And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.” Our new life in Christ means we now live “unto Him.” This is a radical departure from how the world teaches us to live. The world says, “Live for yourself; pursue your dreams, your desires.” But in Christ, our desires shift. We begin to ask, “How can I live my life in a way that honors the One who gave His life for me?”
This new attitude isn’t something that happens overnight; it’s a daily choice. We have to intentionally set our minds on living for Jesus. And yes, it can be difficult. There are days when our old self whispers, “What about what you want?” But the more we focus on Christ and His love, the more our attitudes will align with His. Living for Him means sacrificing our own will and submitting to His. Yet in that surrender, we find true freedom and joy.
A New Activity: Walking by Faith (v. 7)
Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” This new activity of walking by faith is a daily journey. It means trusting God even when we don’t see the full picture. In our old life, we relied on what we could see, touch, and understand. But now, as new creations, we learn to trust in God’s promises, even when circumstances seem uncertain.
Walking by faith requires courage. It’s easy to rely on our senses and our own understanding, but God calls us to step out of our comfort zones and trust Him. This kind of faith isn’t blind; it’s based on the character of God, who is faithful and true. When we walk by faith, we experience God’s guidance in ways that we never thought possible. It strengthens our relationship with Him because we learn to lean on His wisdom rather than our own.
A New Attachment: Fused by the Love of Christ (v. 14)
This new life brings a new attachment to Christ’s love. Paul writes, “For Christ’s love compels us.” This attachment is more than a simple affection; it’s a fusion. Christ’s love binds us to Him and to others in a way that changes how we interact with the world. His love becomes the driving force behind our actions, our words, and our thoughts.
To be fused by the love of Christ means that His love fills every part of our lives. It’s not just something we feel; it’s something we are. His love motivates us to love others selflessly and sacrificially. When His love compels us, we can’t help but extend grace, mercy, and kindness to those around us. This attachment to Christ’s love gives us the strength to forgive, to serve, and to live out the gospel in tangible ways.
A New Ambassage: The Message of Reconciliation (v. 20)
Lastly, Paul calls us ambassadors of Christ, carrying the message of reconciliation. In verse 20, he states, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.” This is our new mission: to share the message of God’s grace and the reconciliation available through Jesus. As new creations, we’re not just saved for our own benefit; we’re saved to share the hope we’ve received with others.
Being an ambassador means we represent Christ in everything we do. Our words, actions, and attitudes reflect Him to the world. It’s a responsibility, yes, but also an incredible privilege. We get to participate in God’s redemptive plan by proclaiming His love and grace. Every interaction becomes an opportunity to point others to the reconciling work of Christ.
In this new life, every aspect of who we are is transformed. Our aim shifts from self to God, our associations root us in Christ, our attitudes are recalibrated to live for Him, and our activities are filled with faith. We are compelled by Christ’s love, and our mission is to carry His message of reconciliation. It’s a beautiful transformation that gives our lives meaning and purpose. Let’s embrace this new creation and let it shape every part of who we are.
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