II Corinthians 5:11-21

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (v17). Jesus Himself began the resurrection; He is the “firstfruit” of the new creation. When we are “in Christ,” the old curses of death and sin lose power over us, and we become citizens of the new world that is coming. While we remain in this difficult world, the Spirit is the sign of the new kingdom: by the Spirit moving among us, Jesus continues to save (v18-20), to heal, and to restore broken lives.

“Be reconciled to God” (v20). By faith we receive the Spirit of new life, and we live according to the values of Jesus’ coming kingdom