The Extreme Life Do-Over: A New Creature in Christ

Bible Outline • 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

God does not offer a fresh start on the old life. He gives a new one.

This is The Prevailing Word, an outreach of John Kempf Ministries. I am John Kempf.

There is a thought I often had in my twenties, and many of you have had it as well. If I could only have a do-over, a chance to begin life again, that second chance would make everything better. Let us talk about that.

Scripture does speak of a new life, and it is a do-over that lasts forever. Here is what God says about it.

I. The Context: Christ Died for All and Rose Again

Verse 17 is the conclusion of an argument, not an isolated promise. Paul has just written that the love of Christ constraineth us, that Jesus Christ died for all and rose again so that those who live should no longer live unto themselves but unto Him who died for them, and that from this point forward he no longer knows any man after the flesh.

• A. The love of Christ constraineth us. 2 Corinthians 5:14.
• B. Jesus Christ died for all, and rose again, that those who live should live unto Him. 2 Corinthians 5:15.
• C. We no longer know any man after the flesh. 2 Corinthians 5:16.

II. Everyone Wants a New Start

Most people have wanted a do-over at some point, a fresh beginning, a second chance at life. The ways we reach for it are familiar.

• A. Move to a new location, or change the surroundings.
• B. Take a new job.
• C. Change the outward appearance, whether through surgery or a new hairstyle and hair color.
• D. Begin a new relationship.
• E. Make new resolutions.

Perhaps one or more of these describes you. Every one of them changes something around a person. Not one of them changes the person.

III. God Offers Something Greater Than External Change

The Word of God promises a change that begins on the inside and works its way outward.

• A. It is spiritual.
• B. It is inward.
• C. It is eternal.
• D. It is from God.

IV. What It Means to Be “In Christ”

This is where the new life begins, and it is open to everyone without exception.

• A. It is a real union with Jesus Christ, not merely an admiration of Him.
• B. The Greek phrase in this verse is en Christō, “in Christ.” It is a phrase of position and sphere, and Paul uses it throughout his letters for real union and fellowship with Jesus Christ.
• C. Christ Himself becomes the sphere of the new life. Salvation, identity, hope, and eternal life are found in Him.
• D. A person enters this union by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8–9.

V. “He Is a New Creature”: What the Believer Now Is

God does not repair the old life. He creates something that was not there before.

• A. A new identity in Jesus Christ.
• B. A new standing before God.
• C. A new nature within, given by God and not produced by self.
• D. A new eternal destiny.

VI. “Old Things Are Passed Away”: What Is Settled

The old life no longer defines the believer. Three things are settled the moment a person is in Christ.

• A. The old condemnation is gone. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1.
• B. The old identity is gone. 2 Corinthians 5:17.
• C. Sin shall not have dominion over the believer. Romans 6:14.

VII. “Behold, All Things Are Become New”: What Is New in the Believer’s Life

Life in Christ produces a new life from the inside out.

• A. A new heart toward God.
• B. A new purpose for living.
• C. A new way of thinking.
• D. A new and lively hope. 1 Peter 1:3.

VIII. The New Beginning We Really Need

We can change our location, our job, our appearance, our relationships, and our resolutions. Only God can make a person a new creature.

IX. How This New Life Is Received

So how is this new life received, the life that begins on the inside and works its way outward, the life that Scripture calls eternal life? It is received by coming to God the Father through faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

• A. Believe in Jesus Christ and receive eternal life. John 3:14–18.
• B. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life …” John 3:36.
• C. The believer has everlasting life and is passed from death unto life. John 5:24.
• D. Everyone who believes on Jesus Christ has everlasting life. John 6:40, 47.
• E. Jesus Christ alone is the way to the Father. John 14:6.
• F. These things are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing we may have life through His name. John 20:31.
• G. Remission of sins comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Acts 10:43.
• H. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31.
• I. A man is justified by faith in Jesus Christ, without the deeds of the law. Romans 3:28; Romans 5:1.
• J. Salvation is the gift of God, received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8–9.

X. What God Does at the Moment of Saving Faith in Jesus Christ

Salvation is by grace alone, through faith in God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and it is through Him that the believer is brought into a personal relationship with God the Father. At the moment of saving faith in Jesus Christ the believer is instantly and permanently indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who regenerates, seals, leads, guides, empowers, and sanctifies the believer in the walk with God.

• A. The Holy Spirit regenerates and renews. Titus 3:5.
• B. The Holy Spirit dwells in the believer. Romans 8:9.
• C. The believer is sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. Ephesians 1:13–14.
• D. The Holy Spirit guides the believer into all truth. John 16:13.

If you have questions about anything you have read here, we would be glad to hear from you. A related study of the same promise is available in Made New in Christ.