The New Creation We Are in Christ
Welcome to Living Word Cast! I’m Pastor Michael Chilcott, coming to you from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This podcast exists to proclaim, teach, and explore the Word of God together. Our goal is to provide sound theological and biblical guidance on all things Scripture, helping you grow deeper in your understanding of the Bible and your relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Whether you’re seeking answers, encouragement, or a closer walk with God, this podcast is here to help you stay firmly rooted in the truth of God’s Word.
We’re about to explore one of the most profound truths in Christianity—what it truly means to be a new creation in Christ. The moment we give our lives to Jesus, something remarkable happens: we are transformed. But what exactly changes? Who are we now, and what have we left behind? Today, we’ll look deeply into this new identity, exploring everything we’ve gained in Christ and everything that’s been shed. By the end of this episode, my hope is that you’ll have a new understanding of your freedom, your purpose, and your profound transformation in Christ. Let’s dive in."
When we come to Jesus, everything changes. The Bible says that we become a new creation. But let’s pause for a moment. What does that really mean? 2 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.' (ESV)
Think about that for a second. The old has passed away. This isn’t a mere renovation of our old selves. It’s not a spiritual makeover. It’s a complete transformation. It’s like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, a death and resurrection experience. When we are in Christ, we are not who we were before. There’s a dramatic shift that takes place.
What It Means to Be a New Creation
1. We are born again. Jesus said in John 3:3, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.' This new birth is not physical; it’s spiritual. Our old, sinful nature is replaced by a new nature—one that desires to honor God.
2. We are made righteous. In Christ, we are declared righteous, not by our works but by His grace. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, 'For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.' That means that when God looks at us, He sees the perfection of Jesus. We’re no longer defined by our failures but by Christ’s victory.
3. We are a new creation with a new purpose. Ephesians 2:10 tells us, 'For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.' This means that God has a plan for us. We were made to do good, to serve, and to love. We’re not just saved from something—we’re saved for something. The very purpose of our lives has been redefined in Christ.
4. We have a new identity. We are no longer defined by the labels the world places on us—our failures, our past, or our social status. 1 John 3:1 says, 'See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God.' As believers, we are children of God. Our identity is rooted in Him, and no one can take that away.
5. We are spiritually alive. In Christ, we are no longer spiritually dead in our sin. Colossians 2:13 says, 'And you, who were dead in your trespasses... God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses.' We were once separated from God, but now we are brought near through the blood of Christ. We are alive in Him.
