II. THOSE UNITED TO CHRIST ARE NEW CREATURES

1. This means that a great change has taken place. The analogies of the change used in Scripture indicate the greatness of it.

Ephesians 5:8, darkness—light. 1 John 3:14, death—life.

Ephesians 4:22-24, Old—new (Isaiah 11:6-8).

The Corinthians were proof of the change, 1 Cor 6:11.

2. We become new creatures. The word creature is elsewhere translated creation, Mark 10:6. The change in the believer is part of the overall process of change upon which God is embarked, Isaiah 65:17, 66:22, Rev 21:1, 5.

        (A). The life of God enters. Ephesians 4:18, Gal 5:25.

        (B). The likeness of God appears. 2 Cor 3:18, Gal 4:19.

        (C). The love of God is manifested. 1 John 4:7-8, 12, 16.

3. This change is wrought through two processes.

        (A). A passing away. There is the process of death takes place. Matt 5:29,  Rom 8:13, Gal 5:24, Col 3:5, 1 Pet 2:11, 4:2.

        (B). There is a becoming new.  A growing and advancing in life. Lazarus—coming forth out of the place of death and ridding himself of the garments of death, 2 Peter 3:18 (last word of Peter).