Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 5:14-20
The apostle Paul regards every believer in Jesus Christ as a new creation, as a being who has been transformed by his or her faith in Christ! In verse 15 he explains that such believers no longer live for themselves “but for Him who died for them and rose again.” Therefore Christ’s death and resurrection is the transformative event for all of life. This has radical consequences for our relationship with other people. Paul concludes that from now on we recognize no man “according to the flesh,” that is, by what he is in the flesh, “from a worldly point of view” (2 Corinthians 5:16 NIV), just as he regards Christ no longer simply from a secular point of view. To consider another person simply “according to the flesh,” is to view that person as if the transforming resurrection of Christ had not taken place, as if the norm of understanding had not been radically changed. The Christian has received a new way of seeing and understanding that is not according to the standards of this world.
Of course, such a radical change of perception of others counts only for those who by faith are “in Christ.” Only those are a “new creation,” that is, only those participate in the powers of the coming age. Paul does not often use the mysterious phrase “new creation.” We read it only once more, in Galatians 6:15, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.” He explained to the Galatians what he meant in Galatians 5:6, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.” (Emphasis mine).
But how can one receive such a faith? Paul discussed that question in Romans 10:14–17. Faith is not generated by man’s will, but is a gift of God for those who do not resist the gospel message. Accepting the gospel by faith brings with it another gift of God: the outpouring of the Spirit of God (Romans 5:5). This gives the believer an experiential participation in personal salvation.
To be a new creation means therefore to have an active faith, a faith that works through love! Such a faith is quite different from a mere doctrinal faith or from a performance of religious ceremonies. Faith assumes a right relationship with God, and “love” expresses a right relationship to other people. In other words, Paul captured the whole gospel in these short phrases: a new creation, to be in Christ!
“All things,” speaking in reference of this “new creation,” says Paul “are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ . . . not imputing their [men’s] trespasses to them.” Paul considers God’s act of “reconciliation” with sinners through Christ as the source of a new way of life for mankind that is now ministered through the Gospel and apostles of Christ. Paul used the term “reconciliation” to the Corinthians, because they needed harmony among themselves and also with him whom they doubted as being a true apostle of Christ. Reconciliation is needed when a broken relationship in a family or society must be restored.
But before human relationships can be restored, Paul points us to the restored relation between God and mankind, by his apostolic message of reconciliation. He states in verse 20: “We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” To be an “ambassador” placed Paul in a high position of authority and responsibility. That called for an acceptance of Paul’s apostleship and for a reconciliation with him by the Corinthian church.
To Be Continued
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 
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