What does 2 Corinthians 5:17 mean?

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Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Explanation

2 Corinthians 5:17 is often cited to express the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. At its most straightforward, the verse suggests that a person who becomes a follower of Christ undergoes a profound spiritual change. The phrase “in Christ” implies a close, personal relationship with Jesus. It suggests that being “in Christ” is not just about belief but about an individual’s existence being enveloped and defined by this relationship.

When the verse refers to the individual as a “new creature,” it emphasizes the idea of being born again or starting anew. This newness is not just a slight modification but a radical transformation. It signifies a break from the past—what the verse calls “old things”—which includes past sins, behaviors, and ways of thinking, which are said to “pass away.”

“Behold, all things are become new” is an invitation to observe the complete change in the person who has come to faith in Christ. It is not only the person’s behavior that changes but their very nature; it’s a holistic renewal influencing every aspect of the believer’s life.

Historical Context

This verse is part of a letter, 2 Corinthians, written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth around A.D. 55-57. The city of Corinth was known for its wealth, diverse population, and moral laxity. The Christians in Corinth struggled with internal division, immorality, and challenges to Paul’s authority as an apostle. In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses these issues and sets out to defend his ministry, share his experiences, and instruct them in the ways of Christian living.

Within this context, 2 Corinthians 5:17 offered a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the Christian message, particularly in a context where old ways of living were deeply ingrained in the culture.

Theological Insights

The verse has been interpreted through various theological lenses:

Evangelical Theology: This tradition emphasizes personal conversion and the immediate and radical nature of the change that comes when one accepts Christ.
Catholic Theology: While acknowledging the personal transformation, this perspective also places strong emphasis on ongoing sanctification through the sacraments and the life of the church.
Reformed Theology: In this view, “in Christ” signifies the doctrine of union with Christ which leads not only to justification but to regeneration and sanctification as well, with a focus on God’s sovereignty in the process of becoming a new creation.

Practical Applications

The practical implications of 2 Corinthians 5:17 are significant:

Personal Transformation: Individuals are encouraged to reflect on their personal lives and embrace a lifestyle that reflects their faith in Christ.
Forgiveness and Fresh Starts: This verse assures individuals that their past does not define them and offers a message of hope and redemption.
Moral and Ethical Living: Converts are motivated to abandon previously sinful behaviors and strive for ethical conduct that mirrors their new identity in Christ.

Cross-References

John 3:3 – “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Ephesians 4:24 – “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
Romans 6:4 – “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
Galatians 6:15 – “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.”

Language Study

The key terms in the Greek text of this verse include:

“New creature” (καινὴ κτίσις, kainē ktisis): “Kainē” refers to that which is new in nature, not just in time. “Ktisis” often means creation and can refer to the act of creating or the created result itself.
“Passed away” (παρήλθεν, parēlthen): This term means to go past or pass by, suggesting a transition from one state to another.
“Behold” (ἰδοὺ, idou): The word “idou” is an imperative that calls attention; it is equivalent to saying “look” or “see.”

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing 2 Corinthians 5:17 with other cultural and religious contexts:

Hinduism speaks of reincarnation, a process where the soul goes through a cycle of rebirths. While different, both concepts deal with transformation—though the Christian idea is a one-time spiritual rebirth, not a cycle.
Buddhism has the concept of enlightenment, where the individual awakens from the ignorance of self to achieve a new state of consciousness—a transformation of the mind and understanding.
In Ancient Egyptian religion, the concept of rebirth was also central, often symbolized by the scarab beetle, which represented the rising sun and new life.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, one may consider psychological and neurobiological aspects of transformation:

Psychological: The concept of a “new creature” may relate to the idea of cognitive restructuring in psychology—a process through which individuals change their patterns of thought, attitude, and behavior.
Neurobiological: Research into neuroplasticity shows that the brain can rewire itself based on new experiences, which could be seen as a physiological counterpart to the idea of becoming a new creation.

Commentaries

Experts and theologians offer various interpretations of 2 Corinthians 5:17:

John Stott, an Anglican cleric, referred to this passage in his discussions of Christian identity, underscoring the completeness of transformation in Christ.
NT Wright, a New Testament scholar, views “new creation” as not only an individual’s transformation but also as part of God’s larger redemptive plan for the whole world.
Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes the personal renewal that comes from the Holy Spirit, leading to a departure from sinful behavior and the cultivation of virtues in the believer’s life.