Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Sermon Summary: 2 Corinthians 5:17 – A New Creature in Christ
Scripture Focus: The sermon centers on 2 Corinthians 5:17, where the Apostle Paul declares, “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” The preacher uses this verse to emphasize the transformative power of true salvation through Jesus Christ, distinguishing it from counterfeit beliefs and urging the congregation to seek genuine salvation.
Key Themes and Points
- The Prevalence of Counterfeits in Modern Times
- The preacher begins by highlighting the presence of counterfeits in everyday life, such as fake handbags and watches, and extends this to spiritual matters. He warns of counterfeit spiritual practices, including false prophets, counterfeit spirits, and false messages about Jesus (e.g., those preached by Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, and others). These are not aligned with the true Christ of the Bible (2 Corinthians 11:4, Matthew 7:15).
- He cites examples of deceptive spiritual practices, such as people claiming to speak in tongues or perform signs and wonders, which he asserts are not the work of God’s Spirit but counterfeits. The preacher stresses that many are deceived by these false teachings and spirits, leading them away from true salvation.
- The Danger of Counterfeit Salvation
- Drawing from Matthew 7:23, where Jesus says, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity,” the preacher warns that many will stand before Christ believing they are saved but will be rejected because their salvation is counterfeit. This counterfeit salvation comes from relying on church attendance, religious rituals, or a general belief in God without a personal relationship with Christ.
- The sermon emphasizes the need for real salvation, one that saves and transforms, rather than a false hope that will fail on the day of judgment.
- The Position of True Salvation: Being “In Christ”
- The core of the sermon is the necessity of being “in Christ” to be saved. The preacher explains that true salvation is not about being in a church, a Christian family, or participating in religious rituals like baptism—it is about being in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Unlike other religions where followers adhere to teachings or leaders (e.g., Muhammad, Joseph Smith, or the Watchtower), Christianity uniquely places believers in Christ. This position is essential for forgiveness of sins, everlasting life, and entry into heaven.
- The preacher contrasts the natural state of a sinner—“without Christ” (Ephesians 2:12)—with the transformed state of a believer who is in Christ. He stresses that no other person, place, or practice can save; only Christ can.
- The Power of Transformation: A New Creature
- Salvation involves a divine, transformative work where God makes a sinner into a new creature. This is not a mere improvement of the old self but a complete renewal, likened to God’s creation of the world (Genesis 1:3, Isaiah 44:24).
- The preacher underscores that this transformation is a divine act, accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the power of His blood. It is not something humans can achieve on their own (John 1:12-13).
- He addresses the opposition to this transformation, noting that Satan and the sinful heart resist God’s work. Sinners naturally love darkness and reject the gospel (John 3:19), but God’s power can overcome this resistance to create a new person.
- The Evidence of Change
- True salvation results in a visible, permanent change. The preacher references the conversion of Paul (Acts 9:21), where those who knew him as a persecutor were amazed at his transformation into a preacher of Christ.
- This change involves the old life—sins, worldly desires, and pursuits—passing away, and new desires emerging, such as reading the Bible, praying, attending church, and pursuing righteousness. The believer receives a new heart, new tongue (Psalm 40:3), new feet to walk in God’s ways, and a new destination (heaven instead of hell).
- The preacher emphasizes that this is not a temporary change but a lasting one, distinguishing true conversion from fleeting emotional experiences.
- A Call to Action
- The sermon concludes with an urgent call to the congregation to examine whether they are truly in Christ. The preacher asks, “Are you saved? Have you repented? Are you trusting in Jesus Christ alone?” He stresses that salvation requires repentance and faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross.
- He encourages those who are unsaved, bound by sin (e.g., drugs, immorality, or despair), to come to Christ, assuring them that God’s power can reach even the worst sinners and make them new. The preacher shares his own testimony of transformation, reinforcing that God can do this for anyone.
- The invitation is extended to trust Christ immediately, with the promise of forgiveness, peace, and eternal life. The congregation is urged not to leave without experiencing this transformative power.
Illustrations and Examples
- Counterfeit Goods: The preacher uses the analogy of counterfeit handbags and watches to illustrate how easily people are deceived by fake spiritual experiences or teachings.
- Personal Testimony: He shares his own experience of conversion, noting how the world looked different after Christ came into his heart, and how he moved from loving worldly music (e.g., Status Quo, Meat Loaf) to singing hymns.
- Granddaughter’s Faith: He recounts a conversation with his granddaughter, who demonstrated a clear understanding of salvation, highlighting the importance of teaching children the gospel.
- Paul’s Transformation: The dramatic change in Paul’s life (from persecutor to preacher) serves as a biblical example of the visible transformation that accompanies true salvation.
Theological Emphasis
- Exclusivity of Christ: Salvation is only through being in Christ, not through any other person, religion, or practice.
- Divine Power: The creation of a new creature is a supernatural act of God, comparable to the creation of the world, and is accomplished through Christ’s death and resurrection.
- Necessity of Regeneration: The sermon echoes Jesus’ teaching to Nicodemus (John 3:3) that one must be born again to enter the kingdom of God.
- Warning Against False Religion: The preacher strongly warns against false teachings and counterfeit salvations that lead people astray.
Emotional and Practical Appeal
- The sermon is delivered with urgency and compassion, appealing to both the saved and unsaved. The preacher repeatedly asks, “Are you in Christ?” and challenges those who are unsaved to consider their current state of living in sin and darkness.
- He addresses those who feel hopeless or trapped by sin, assuring them that no one is too far gone for God to save. The invitation to come to Christ is personal and immediate, with the preacher offering to speak with anyone who has questions or needs guidance.
Conclusion
The sermon is a passionate call to genuine salvation through Jesus Christ, rooted in 2 Corinthians 5:17. It emphasizes the necessity of being in Christ, the divine power that transforms sinners into new creatures, and the visible, lasting change that results. The preacher warns against counterfeit beliefs and urges the congregation to trust Christ alone for forgiveness and eternal life, assuring them that God can save and transform anyone who comes to Him in faith.
Closing Hymn: The sermon closes with a call to sing, “What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought since Jesus came into my heart,” reinforcing the theme of transformation and inviting the congregation to respond to the gospel message.
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