Preaching on Everything is New. II Corinthians 5:17

Have you ever experienced the thrill of something truly new? A new car, a new home, a new year with fresh possibilities? There's a sense of excitement, a feeling of renewal, a shedding of the old. As Christians, we have been granted a blessing far greater and more profound than any earthly novelty: now that we are in Christ, all things are new. II Corinthians 5:17 declares this foundational truth: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

This isn't just a spiritual cliché; it's a profound reality that impacts every facet of our existence. When we come to faith in Jesus, we are not just slightly adjusted or minimally improved; we are fundamentally transformed. The old ways, the old relationship with sin, the old destiny—all of it has passed away. And in its place, God, in His infinite grace, has brought forth an entirely new reality. Let us explore some of these glorious "new things" that define our lives in Christ.

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.A. A New Covenant (Hebrews 9:15)

"Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant."

We no longer live under the old covenant of law, which was based on strict adherence and brought condemnation for failure. Instead, through Christ's sacrifice, we are part of a new covenant. This new agreement is founded on grace and forgiveness, secured by the precious blood of Jesus. It promises not condemnation, but eternal inheritance, freedom from the bondage of sin, and a direct, personal relationship with God.

B. A New Mediator (Hebrews 8:6; I Timothy 2:5)

"But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises." (Hebrews 8:6)

"For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus." (I Timothy 2:5)

Under the old covenant, priests mediated between God and humanity. But now, we have a new, superior mediator: Jesus Christ Himself. He is not merely a prophet or a priest; He is both God and man, the perfect bridge between a holy God and sinful humanity. Through Him, we have direct access to the Father, our prayers are heard, and our reconciliation is secured. There is no other path, no other go-between; Jesus is our exclusive and perfect Mediator.

C. We Now Walk in Newness of Life (Romans 6:3-4)

"Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

When we are united with Christ through faith, we share in His death to sin and His resurrection to life. Baptism symbolizes this profound reality. The old self, enslaved to sin, is buried. But we are raised to walk in newness of life. This isn't just a change in behavior; it's a change in our very nature and direction. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life that reflects God's righteousness, a life marked by holiness and purpose, no longer defined by the old ways of sin.

D. A New Birth (John 3:5)

"Jesus answered, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.'"

Jesus explained to Nicodemus that spiritual transformation is not merely reformation but a radical regeneration. It's a new birth, a supernatural act of God's Spirit that gives us a new spiritual nature. We are born into God's family, given spiritual eyes to see, and spiritual ears to hear. This new birth is essential for entering the Kingdom of God and experiencing the fullness of life in Christ.

E. A New Name (Acts 11:26)

"and in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians."

While God gives us a new spiritual identity, the early disciples also received a new name: "Christians." This name, though perhaps initially given by outsiders, powerfully identified them as belonging to Christ. It signified a profound shift in allegiance and identity. For us, too, our name in Christ transcends our earthly labels. We are called children of God, saints, adopted sons and daughters, inheritors, and temples of the Holy Spirit. Our identity is now rooted in Him.

F. A New Day of Worship (Acts 20:7)

"On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight."

For the early church, and for us, the resurrection of Jesus brought about a new day of worship. While the Sabbath was observed under the Old Covenant, the first day of the week, Sunday, became the primary day for believers to gather, break bread (communion), and hear the Word. This shift commemorates the pivotal event of Christ's resurrection, establishing a new rhythm of worship and remembrance centered on His victory over sin and death.

G. There Is a New Commandment (John 13:34)

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

Jesus did not abolish the old commandments, but He gave His disciples a new commandment that encapsulates and transcends them all: "Love one another, as I have loved you." This is not just a suggestion; it is a defining characteristic of true discipleship. It's a love that is sacrificial, unconditional, and self-giving, reflecting the very nature of Christ Himself. This new command transforms our relationships and is the clearest evidence of our new life in Him.

H. A New Man (Ephesians 4:24)

"and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

When we come to Christ, we are called to put on the new self. This is a profound transformation of our inner being, a renewal of our character, mind, and spirit. This "new man" is created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. It's a continuous process of growth, shedding the old ways of thinking and behaving, and embracing the divine nature that God has given us in Christ. Our very essence is made new, aligning with God's perfect image.

Preaching on Everything is New. II Corinthians 5:17

CONCLUSION:

What a glorious reality we embrace! Because we are in Christ, everything is new. We live under a new covenant with a new mediator, walking in newness of life that flows from a new birth. We bear a new identity, gather on a new day of worship, live by a new commandment, and are continually being shaped into a new creation—a new man—in Christ.

Let us rejoice in this profound transformation! Let us shed the old completely and embrace the newness God has so graciously given us. May our lives continually reflect the reality that the old has passed away, and behold, the new has come! Amen.

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Preaching on Everything is New. II Corinthians 5:17