Radical Transformation: The New Creation in Christ
Summary
In the message from 2 Corinthians 5:17, the profound transformation that occurs when one is in Christ is explored. This transformation is not merely a superficial change but a radical renewal, a new creation. The journey of the soul is described in three stages: without Christ, in Christ, and with Christ. Initially, we are all without Christ, living in a state of nature, devoid of divine connection. However, through faith, we move into the state of grace, being in Christ, which is essential for reaching the ultimate state of glory, being with Christ.
Being in Christ is a unique and profound union, unlike any other human relationship. It is likened to being in Noah's Ark, a place of safety and salvation, or a city of refuge where one is protected from vengeance. This union is also compared to a branch in a vine, where the branch derives its life and fruitfulness from the vine. Similarly, believers derive their spiritual vitality from Christ, experiencing a mysterious yet real connection that transforms their lives.
The transformation into a new creature signifies a radical change, not just a moral or behavioral adjustment. It is a complete renewal of the entire nature, akin to a new creation. This change is wrought by God alone, as creation is solely His work. Just as God created the world from nothing, He creates a new life in believers, overcoming the darkness and resistance of the human heart.
This new creation brings a remarkable freshness, a vitality that the world cannot offer. While the world grows old and weary, the life in Christ remains ever new, vibrant, and full of hope. This freshness is a testament to the divine work within, a life that is continually renewed and sustained by God.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Journey of the Soul: The soul's journey involves moving from being without Christ to being in Christ, and ultimately to being with Christ. This progression is essential for spiritual growth and eternal glory. Being in Christ is a state of grace that prepares us for the ultimate joy of being with Him in glory. [01:49]
2. Union with Christ: Being in Christ is a unique union, akin to a branch in a vine, where believers derive their spiritual life and fruitfulness from Him. This union is mysterious yet real, transforming our lives and enabling us to bear good fruit. [08:10]
3. Radical Renewal: The transformation into a new creature is a radical renewal, not just a moral adjustment. It is a complete change of nature, akin to a new creation, wrought by God alone. This change affects all aspects of our being, making us truly new. [12:46]
4. Divine Work of Creation: The new creation is solely the work of God, just as the creation of the world was. It involves overcoming the darkness and resistance of the human heart, bringing forth light and life where there was none. [27:01]
5. Freshness of Life in Christ: The life in Christ is marked by a remarkable freshness and vitality that the world cannot offer. While the world grows old and weary, the spiritual life remains ever new, vibrant, and full of hope, sustained by God's continual renewal. [35:23]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to the New Creation
- [01:19] - The Believer's Position in Christ
- [02:08] - Without Christ: A State of Nature
- [03:23] - In Christ: A State of Grace
- [04:41] - Scriptural Symbols of Being in Christ
- [06:18] - Christ as Our Ark of Salvation
- [07:05] - Christ as Our City of Refuge
- [08:10] - Union with Christ: Branches in the Vine
- [09:33] - Being Built into Christ: Stones in the Building
- [12:28] - The Believer as a New Creature
- [16:13] - The Radical Change of New Creation
- [19:22] - The Divine Work of Creation
- [27:01] - God's Sovereign Work in New Creation
- [35:23] - The Freshness of Life in Christ
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
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#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three stages of the soul's journey as described in the sermon? ([01:35])
2. How is the union with Christ compared to Noah's Ark and a city of refuge in the sermon? ([06:18])
3. What does the sermon say about the nature of the transformation into a new creature? ([12:46])
4. According to the sermon, what role does God play in the creation of a new life in believers? ([27:01])
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon describe the significance of being "in Christ" compared to other human relationships? ([04:41])
2. What does the sermon suggest about the difference between a moral adjustment and a radical renewal? ([13:00])
3. How does the sermon explain the concept of spiritual vitality derived from Christ, similar to a branch in a vine? ([08:10])
4. In what ways does the sermon illustrate the freshness and vitality of life in Christ compared to the world? ([35:23])
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Which stage do you feel you are currently in: without Christ, in Christ, or with Christ? What steps can you take to progress in your journey? ([01:35])
2. The sermon compares being in Christ to being in Noah's Ark, a place of safety. How do you find safety and refuge in your relationship with Christ during challenging times? ([06:18])
3. Consider the idea of radical renewal. Is there an area in your life where you feel God is calling you to experience a deeper transformation? How can you respond to this call? ([13:00])
4. The sermon emphasizes that the new creation is solely the work of God. How can you rely more on God's power rather than your own efforts in your spiritual growth? ([27:01])
5. The freshness of life in Christ is highlighted as a unique aspect of the Christian experience. How can you cultivate this sense of freshness and vitality in your daily walk with God? ([35:23])
6. Think of a time when you felt spiritually renewed or revitalized. What contributed to that experience, and how can you seek similar renewal in your current spiritual life? ([35:23])
7. How can you actively participate in the process of being a new creation, allowing God to work in and through you to bring about change in your life? ([19:22])
Devotional
Day 1: The Soul's Journey to Glory
The journey of the soul is a profound transformation that begins without Christ, progresses to being in Christ, and culminates in being with Christ. Initially, individuals exist in a state of nature, disconnected from divine grace. Through faith, they enter a state of grace, becoming united with Christ, which is essential for reaching the ultimate state of glory. This progression is vital for spiritual growth and eternal joy, as being in Christ prepares believers for the ultimate joy of being with Him in glory. [01:49]
"For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: Consider your current stage in the journey of the soul. What steps can you take today to deepen your connection with Christ and prepare for the ultimate joy of being with Him in glory?
Day 2: The Unique Union with Christ
Being in Christ is a unique and profound union, akin to a branch in a vine, where believers derive their spiritual life and fruitfulness from Him. This union is mysterious yet real, transforming lives and enabling believers to bear good fruit. It is a relationship that offers safety and salvation, much like Noah's Ark or a city of refuge. This connection is essential for spiritual vitality and growth, as it allows believers to draw life and strength from Christ, the true vine. [08:10]
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." (John 15:4, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with Christ. How can you more fully abide in Him today, drawing spiritual life and strength from this unique union?
Day 3: Radical Renewal in Christ
The transformation into a new creature is a radical renewal, not just a moral adjustment. It is a complete change of nature, akin to a new creation, wrought by God alone. This change affects all aspects of a believer's being, making them truly new. Just as God created the world from nothing, He creates a new life in believers, overcoming the darkness and resistance of the human heart. This renewal is a testament to God's power and grace, bringing forth light and life where there was none. [12:46]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: Identify an area of your life where you need radical renewal. How can you invite God to transform this area, allowing His power to overcome any darkness or resistance?
Day 4: The Divine Work of Creation
The new creation is solely the work of God, just as the creation of the world was. It involves overcoming the darkness and resistance of the human heart, bringing forth light and life where there was none. This divine work is a testament to God's sovereignty and grace, as He alone has the power to create new life in believers. It is a reminder of the miraculous nature of spiritual transformation and the hope that comes from being made new in Christ. [27:01]
"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on the areas of your life where you need God's creative work. How can you open your heart to His light, allowing Him to overcome any darkness and resistance?
Day 5: The Freshness of Life in Christ
The life in Christ is marked by a remarkable freshness and vitality that the world cannot offer. While the world grows old and weary, the spiritual life remains ever new, vibrant, and full of hope, sustained by God's continual renewal. This freshness is a testament to the divine work within, as believers experience a life that is continually renewed and sustained by God. It is a reminder of the hope and joy that comes from being in Christ, as His life brings newness and vitality to every aspect of our being. [35:23]
"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4:16, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you experience the freshness and vitality of life in Christ today? How can you allow God's continual renewal to bring newness and hope to your daily life?
Quotes
There are three stages of the human soul in connection with Christ the first is without Christ this is the state of nature the next is in Christ this is the state of grace the third is with Christ that is the state of Glory without Christ this is where we all are born and nurtured. [00:01:42]
The man May stand at the banqueting table and maybe without food unless he puts out his hand to grasp that which is provided, and a man may have Christ preached in his hearing every Sabbath day, and be without Christ unless he puteth forth the hand of Faith to lay hold upon him. [00:02:20]
Noah's Ark was a type of Christ the animals that were preserved from the Deluge pass through the door into the ark the Lord shut them in and high above the foaming Billows they floated in perfect safety, we are in Christ in the same sense he is the Ark of God provided against the day of judgment. [00:06:10]
Now the branch derives all its nourishment its sap its Vitality its fruit bearing power from the stem with which it is United it would be of no use that the branch should be placed close to the trunk it would be of no service even to strap it side by side with the stem. [00:08:10]
The believer must then have been the subject of a radical change he is said to be a new creature which is of all things a most sweeping change, there are many changes which a man May undergo but they may be far from being radical enough to be worth calling a new creation. [00:12:46]
A new creature absolutely a new creation it is a root and Branch change not an alteration of the walls only but of the foundation not a new figuring of the visible tapestry but a renewal of the fabric itself, regeneration is a change of the entire nature from top to bottom in all senses. [00:17:52]
Creation is the work of God Alone it must be so if any doubt it let us bid them make the effort to create the smallest object, the Potter places his clay upon the wheel and shapes it after his own pleasure he Fashions the vars but he is not the creator of it the clay was there beforehand. [00:27:01]
The inner life of the Christian is the sole work of the most high neither can any pretend to put his finger there too to help the Creator, in creation who helped God who poised the clouds for him, who weighed the hills in Scales to Aid his skill or helped him dig the channels of the sea. [00:28:01]
The world is hackneyed and stale and old time wearily drags on to its Saturday night, it draws near to the last of its work days with heavy footsteps, any new creature coming fresh into the world would startle and amaze us all, what would men give if the almighty hand would form a novelty in life. [00:35:23]
The spiritual life is not so there is a freshness a vivacity a force and energy a power about it that never grows stale, he that prayed yesterday with joy shall pray in 50 years time if he be on Earth with the self-same Delight, he that loves his maker and feels his heartbeat High At The Mention Of The Name of Jesus. [00:39:52]
Let us seek after this new creature ship this new power this Fresh Life, this ever vigorous youth that laughs at decrepit Earth and worn out time this new life which counts even sun and moon and stars but dying things like flickering lamps smoking out their lives for want of oil while the life Divine. [00:41:42]
If God has made a new creature of him which is the greatest work of Grace will he not do the lesser work of Grace namely make the new creature grow up unto perfection, if the Lord has turned you to himself never be afraid that he will leave you to perish. [00:43:05]
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