“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
It is the victory before the victory. The home team is ahead by 3 points with 1 minute left. The quarterback steps behind the center, receives the snap, and takes a knee. The crowd cheers wildly, and the players on the sideline have already begun the celebration. The game is not over, but the outcome is secure!
In the same way, “if anyone is in Christ”, then the game may not be over, but the outcome is secure. That is why Paul can say, “Look! The new has come!” Despite the difficulty and deprivation, despite the opposition and outright rejection, the person who has discovered what it means to be “in Christ”, clinging to Him by faith, is already victorious! All they need do is “take a knee,” bow to Jesus, and no amount of hostility can steal away their victory because no one can steal His victory. Darkness, deceit, destruction, and death do not win. Jesus wins! New creation has already begun inside of us, and one day it will be completed all around us!
Therefore, we do not give up. Whereas the first creation work of God established the world all at once with His word, “let the dry land appear” (Genesis 1:9), the new creation work is accomplished little by little as the word of salvation in Jesus is declared and received. New creation is happening all around you “in Christ.” Do you see it? Are you joining in by persuading those in your sphere of influence to “be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20)?
Think These Things 