So if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; old things passed away; behold, they are all made new.
5:17 – “So that”. Other versions say “Therefore”, or “Luckily that”. There is an obvious connection between the statement of seeing. 16 and his, the 17th. Christ is not to be “known” (estimated, considered) on the basis of carnal considerations. — “if any… made new.” This being the case, neither should the one found in Christ be considered. Whether in the flesh he be Jew or Gentile, whether free or slave, in Christ he is a new creature, with all considerations made new in the sight of God. Carnal norms are not to be applied to spiritual creatures, to the children of God. Whether one of these is a Jew or a Gentile has nothing to do with it. see Gal 3:25-29; Romans 2:28-29. The new creature now walks in “new life” (Romans 6:4), look for the things above (Col 3:1-4), engages in the good works prepared by God (Eph 2:10), and it is found in the only valid relationship, which is the new creation (Gal 6:15). see Eph 4:24. The old things (carnal considerations and norms, prejudices and discriminations, and above all the relationship that the sinner had with God) have passed away.
Source: Commentary on the New Testament by Partain
if anyone is in Christ. 2Co 5:19, 2Co 5:21; 2Co 12:2; Isaiah 45:17, Isaiah 45:24, Isaiah 45:25; Joh 14:20; Joh 15:2, Joh 15:5; Joh 17:23; Romans 8:1, Romans 8:9; Romans 16:7, Romans 16:11; 1Co 1:30; Gal 3:28; Gal 5:6; Eph 1:3, Eph 1:4; Phil 4:21.
new creature is Ps 51:10; Eze 11:19; Eze 18:31; Eze 36:26; Matt 12:33; Joh 3:3, Joh 3:5; Gal 6:15; Eph 2:10.
old things passed away. 2Co 5:16; Isaiah 43:18, Isaiah 43:19; Isaiah 65:17, Isaiah 65:18; Matt 9:16, Matt 9:17; Matt 24:35; Romans 6:4-6; Romans 7:6; Romans 8:9; Romans 8:10; 1Co 13:11; Eph 2:15; Eph 4:22-24; Phil 3:7-9; Col 3:1-10; Hebrews 8:9-13; 2Pe 3:10-13; Rev 21:1-5.
Source: The Treasury of Biblical Knowledge
in Christ: Paul presents the results of Christ’s death to the believer and the believer’s death with Him (v. 2Co 5:14). Since they are united with Christ in his death and resurrection, believers participate in the new creation. That is, they receive the benefits of being restored by Christ to be what God originally created them to be (Gen 1:26; 1Co 15:45-49).
behold, they are all made new: The life of a believer should change, because he is transformed into the image of Christ (2Co 3:18). Instead of living for himself, a believer lives for Christ (v. 2Co 3:15). Instead of evaluating others with the world’s values, a believer looks at this world through the eyes of faith (v. 2Co 3:16).
COMPARED
the judgment seat of christ
Implying?
Only believers will appear before the judgment seat of Christ. The “great white throne” trial described in Rev 20:11-15 It is for non-believers.
What is?
At his judgment seat, Jesus will determine the believer’s faith in him and reward each person appropriately (1Co 3:11-15). This does not determine the eternal destiny of a person; this matter is decided at the moment when said person believes in Christ.
Who presides over it?
Resurrected Christ.
Where will it happen?
In the sky.
When will it happen?
The Scriptures do not specify when it will occur. Obviously it will be at the time when all Christians are gathered in heaven.
What is the nature of eternal reward?
Some commentators consider the various crowns mentioned in the NT. like the rewards1Co 9:25; 2Ti 4:8; Jas 1:12; 1Pe 5:4; Rev 2:10). In the end they will stand before the throne of God (Rev 4:10). Others point to the parable of the pounds in Luke 19:11-27 and they see the prospect of serving or reigning in eternity directly related to our faith here on earth. We do not know the exact nature of “new heaven and new earth” or “the kingdom of God.” But the Scriptures seem to imply that eternity will involve serving and reigning (Matt 25:21, Matt 25:23; Rev 22:3, Rev 22:5).
Why is this doctrine significant?
Knowing that in the future we will stand before Jesus and face a review of our lives should motivate us to live righteously and with faith in the present.
How can we prepare for our eternal “audition”?
Walk by faith, not by sight (2Co 5:7). Develop nostalgia for the sky (2Co 5:8). Make her our main help in life to please the Lord (2Co 5:9). Keep the judgment seat of Christ in perspective (2Co 5:10).
Source: New Illustrated Caribbean Bible Commentary
NEW CREATURE IS. Through the creative word of God (2Co 4:6), those who by faith accept Jesus Christ are made new creatures belonging to a world that God has completely renewed, in which the Spirit rules (Romans 8:14; Gal 5:25; Eph 2:10). The believer becomes a new person (Gal 6:15; Eph 2:10; Eph 2:15; Eph 4:24; Col 3:10), renewed according to the likeness of God (2Co 4:16; 1Co 15:49; Eph 4:24; Col 3:10), who shares his glory (2Co 3:18) with the mind (Romans 12:2) and knowledge (Col 3:10) renewed, and living in holiness (Eph 4:24).
Source: Full Life Study Bible
in Christ. These two words constitute a brief but profound affirmation of the infinite importance of the believer’s redemption, which includes the following: 1) the believer’s security in Christ, who bore in his body the judgment of God against sin; 2) the believer’s acceptance of the One with whom God is pleased; 3) the future security of the believer in the one who is the resurrection to eternal life and the only guarantor of the believer’s inheritance in heaven, and 4) the believer’s participation in the divine nature of Christ, the Eternal Word (cf. 2Pe 1:4). new creature. This describes something that is created to a new level of excellence. It refers to regeneration or the new birth (cp. Joh 3:3; Eph 2:1-3; Tit 3:5; 1Pe 1:23; 1Jn 2:29; 1Jn 3:9; 1Jn 5:4). The expression includes forgiveness for the Christian of his sins that were paid for in the substitutionary death of Christ (cf. Gal 6:15; Eph 4:24). old things passed away. After a person has been regenerated, the value systems, priorities, beliefs, loves, and plans of the old life are a thing of the past. Evil and sin are still present, but the believer sees them in a new light (see note on v.2Co 5:16), and they no longer control it. they are all made new. Greek grammar indicates that the new condition is continuous and practical. The new spiritual perception that the believer has of all things is a constant reality for him, and now he lives for eternity, not for temporary things. James identifies this transformation as faith producing works (see notes on Eph 2:10; Jas 2:14-25).
Source: MacArthur Study Bible
5:17 — “So that.” Other versions say “Therefore”, or “Luckily that”. There is an obvious connection between the statement of seeing. 16 and his, 17. Christ is not to be “known” (estimated, considered) on the basis of carnal considerations.
–“if any…made new”. This being the case, neither should the one found in Christ be considered. Whether in the flesh he be Jew or Gentile, whether free or slave, in Christ he is a new creature, with all considerations made new in the sight of God. Carnal norms are not to be applied to spiritual creatures, to the children of God. Whether one of these is a Jew or a Gentile has nothing to do with it. See Gal 3:25-29; Romans 2:28-29. The new creature now walks in “newness of life” (Rom 6:4), seeks things that are above (Col 3:1-4), engages in the good works prepared by God (Eph 2:10), and finds himself in the only relationship that counts, which is the new creation (Gal 6:15). See Eph 4:24. The old things (carnal considerations and norms, prejudices and discriminations, and above all the relationship that the sinner had with God) have passed away.
Source: Reeves-Partain Notes
Romans 6:4; Gal 6:15; Eph 2:10; Eph 4:24; Rev 21:5.
Source: Hispano-American Interdenominational Translation
GRADES
(1) Or, “creature.” Gr., kti·sis; lat.: cre·a·tú·ra.
CROSS-REFERENCES
j 213 Rom 6:4; Gal 6:15
k214 Isa 43:18; Eph 4:22
l 215 Eph 4:24
Source: New World Translation
in Christ, a new creature. The transformation carried out in the life of the sinner, who is now in Christ, is an example of a new creation. This “newness” is seen both in his changed perspective on others (vs. 16), and in his shift from a self-centered life to a life of concern for others (vs. 15; cp. Col 3:8– 14).
Source: The Bible of the Americas
17 (1) This confirms what is said in the previous verse. The apostles would no longer know anyone according to the flesh, because he who is in Christ is a new creation; the old things of the flesh have passed away through the death of Christ, and all are made new in the resurrection of Christ.
17 (two) To be in Christ means to be one with Him in life and nature. This comes from God through our faith in Christ ( 1Co_1:30 ; Gal_3:26-28).
17 (3) The old creation does not have the divine life and nature, but the new creation, made up of believers, who were reborn from God, does have them (Jua_1:13; 3:15; 2Pe_1:4). Therefore, believers are a new creation (Gal 6:15), not according to the old nature of the flesh, but according to the new nature of divine life.
17 (4) Oh, old.
17 (5) A call to observe the wonderful change of the new creation.
Source: New Testament Commentary Recovery Version
new creature. Lit., a new creation. The old things have passed away (in aorist tense to indicate the decisive change that salvation brings about).
behold, all have become new (the perfect tense indicates the permanent results of the new life in Christ). God’s grace not only justifies, but also makes a “new creation,” resulting in a different lifestyle (v. 2Co 5:15).
Source: Ryrie Annotated Study Bible
new creation… Another possible translation: new creature; lo and behold… TR adds all.
Source: Textual Bible IV Edition
Or, there is a new creation
Source: The Bible of the Americas
The TR adds all.