“The New Has Come”
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (New International Version)
Here we are at the cusp of a new year. With it comes anticipation for what might be and how that could (perhaps hopefully) be different from what has been. Some of you may have sat down at this point and jotted out a series of resolutions related to things you would like to try or personal changes you want to take place in the next twelve months. It is estimated that between thirty and forty-five percent of Americans resolve this time of the year for something to be different, but in most cases have given up on such “plans” by February. I use the term plans loosely because, more times than not, they are good ideas, but lack sufficient details and discipline for follow through. The Apostle Paul, when writing to the faith community in Corinth, addressed the subject of newness, but not in the sense of a physical health routine or becoming more organized with one’s time. He was, however, speaking of the transformation which occurs through one’s personal relationship with Jesus. In the earlier verses of 2 Corinthians 5, the apostle stated how Jesus’ death had been a once and for all sacrifice which enabled all who believe the opportunity for life. Just recently in Bible study, I made the comment that passages such as this are a reminder of the paradox which is at work in our salvation: life comes out of death. Or, as Paul stated in his letter known as 1 Corinthians (chapter 1 to be exact), God used the “foolish things of the world to shame those who presume they are wise.” God’s means of reconciling humanity to Godself and creating us anew is the benefit of this death (both Jesus’ death and our death to self). Notice Paul’s wording in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if…”. Anytime we see the word “therefore” in Scripture, we must do as one of my professors used to say, “Ask what it is there for.” “Therefore” implies something significant has been stated and, because of that, has implications upon the life of the one(s) reading. It is as though Paul was saying, “Since I have said this, this, and this, it should impact your living.” The inclusion of “if” can be used of a statement that is either true or false, but, in this instance is in the affirmative. It can be read, “If, and this is true for you, a person is in Christ he or she is a new creation.” To be in Christ is not to be left as one was at a former time, but rather to be new. Of course, we know this transformation is not instant, but the moment of our acceptance of Christ does put us into a new standing with God. Our maturity in Christ is a process, one which we identify in our statement of faith as sanctification. In reading these words from Paul, we find hope for our journey especially when we consider the verb tense supplied in English translations. The indication is that being in Christ makes our status as a new creation something which is both present and active. It is more than something which we can only anticipate. A new creation is a sure thing. Unfortunately, we do not always live as a people who have been and are being made new. We still try to retain some of the “old” which Paul speaks of in this verse. At this point, we become like those who make resolutions just for the sake of making them without believing we can follow through and be different. Being a new creation sounds like an ideal scenario, but it also comes with its challenges. Like aspiring to do something new with our lives in the new year, there is always the possibility that we will perceive it to be too hard or not worth the spiritual discipline. Although being a new creation is a work which God does upon us, it still calls for surrender, openness, and dedication on our part. As we begin this new year, I invite you to take a look at yourself. Do you like what you see? What would you like to have changed about you? Now, invite God to let you see yourself as God sees you. Ask yourself those same two previous questions. The good news is that God longs to remake you into the image in which you were created in the beginning. Being made new is a real possibility, but it calls for more than your own determination or making a resolution on a whim. If you are serious and ready, God is capable and eager.
Blessings for the New Year, The Reverend Kelley Smart