THE OLD HAS GONE, BEHOLD, THE NEW HAS COME

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

When someone becomes “a new creation” in Christ, it doesn’t mean their physical body or identity is erased. Rather, it means a complete transformation begins in their inner being—their mind, desires, and spirit are made new. This is not a superficial change but a profound spiritual rebirth.

What Does It Mean to Be “In Christ”?

To be in Christ is to be united with Him through faith and repentance. It means receiving Him as Lord and Savior (John 1:12), trusting in His finished work on the cross for the forgiveness of sins (Romans 10:9–10), and walking in obedience to His Word (John 14:23).

Being in Christ results in regeneration—a new birth brought about by the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3, ESV). This new birth is what enables a person to live not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit (Romans 8:1–2).

The Old Life: Driven by the Flesh

The “old” refers to our former way of life—one ruled by sin, self, and worldly desires. Before coming to Christ, our minds are darkened, alienated from the life of God (Ephesians 4:18), and we live to gratify the desires of the flesh:

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh… For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace

(Romans 8:5–6, ESV).

Like animals, the unregenerate person lives by instinct—concerned only with physical needs and pleasures. Their focus is this life only: eating, drinking, wealth, comfort, pleasure, status, and personal satisfaction. They have no eternal perspective.

Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things

(Philippians 3:19, ESV).

The New Life: Transformed by the Spirit

When a person is truly born again, they cross from death to life (John 5:24). Their desires change. They begin to love what God loves and hate what God hates. Their eyes are opened to the reality of eternity, and their citizenship is now in heaven.

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ

(Philippians 3:20, ESV).

The things of this world lose their grip because the believer now looks forward to an eternal inheritance:

…an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you

(1 Peter 1:4, ESV).

Whether they gain material possessions or not, the born-again believer is content—because their treasure is in heaven (Matthew 6:19–21), and their hope is in Christ.

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth

(Colossians 3:2, ESV).

Have the Old Things Passed Away in Your Life?

This is the question each of us must ask: Has the old truly passed away in me? Have I experienced the transforming power of the Holy Spirit? Am I living for Christ—or still for myself?

If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus, the invitation remains open. Today can be the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

What Must I Do to Be Saved?

1. Repent – Turn away from your sin and the world (Acts 3:19).

2. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ – Trust in His death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins (Romans 10:9–10).

3. Receive Him by faith – Invite Him to be Lord over your life (John 1:12).

4. Be baptized – As an outward sign of your inward change (Acts 2:38).

5. Live a transformed life – Walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:25) and grow in grace and truth (2 Peter 3:18).

✝️ Are You Ready?

If you have not yet made that decision, don’t delay. Life is short, and eternity is real. Come to Jesus today. Let Him make you new.

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