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Outline 070 of 100 · 2 Corinthians

New Creation in Christ

2 Corinthians 5:14-21 — Reconciliation accomplished by God and offered through the ministry of the gospel

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Paul explains the compelling motive of gospel ministry: 'the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead.' Christ's death for all was substitutionary and comprehensive, and it demands a transferred allegiance — those who live should no longer live unto themselves but unto Him who died and rose for them. This produces an entirely new way of evaluating people and even Christ Himself, no longer 'after the flesh' but through gospel eyes. The great declaration follows: 'if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.' God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing trespasses, and has committed to believers the word of reconciliation. The climax states the heart of imputed righteousness: God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him — the great exchange at the center of the gospel.

  1. I. The constraining love

    • The love of Christ constrains gospel labor
    • One died for all, therefore all were dead
    • Living no longer unto ourselves

  2. II. The new perspective granted

    • No longer knowing anyone after the flesh
    • Even Christ known no longer merely externally
    • A transformed way of seeing people and purpose

  3. III. The new creation declared

    • "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature"
    • Old things passed away
    • All things become new

  4. IV. The great exchange explained

    • God reconciling the world through Christ
    • Trespasses not imputed to us
    • Christ made sin for us, we made righteousness in Him
The appeal

The great exchange has been made — your sin for His righteousness. If you are in Christ, you are a new creature; the old life is gone. Will you receive this reconciliation today and be made new?

Key points

  • Christ's substitutionary death compels believers to live for Him, not themselves.
  • Being in Christ makes a person an entirely new creation.
  • God made the sinless Christ to be sin for us so we might become His righteousness.

Key passages

  • 2 Corinthians 5:15
  • 2 Corinthians 5:17
  • 2 Corinthians 5:19
  • 2 Corinthians 5:21