2 Corinthians 5:17
Bible Verses. Also called 2 Corinthians 5:17, II Corinthians 5:17, New creature, New creation, Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Scripture quotation from the King James Version (KJV). Read this chapter
2 Corinthians 5:17 declares that if anyone is in Christ, he is "a new creature": "old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." It is cherished as a classic text on conversion and the new birth, though some interpreters read it as speaking of the whole new creation rather than only of individual transformation.
About this articleAI draft from a Korean source. Notes on Korean Protestant practice. No sources listed. Not yet reviewed by a person.
- Origin
Drafted by AI from the Korean church.wiki article, then translated and adapted for English readers on 5 November 2026.
- Perspective
Includes notes on Korean Protestant practice; other traditions are noted where they differ.
- Sources
None listed yet. The article draws on the biblical text and general reference works. Add a source
- Review
Not yet reviewed by a person. Last edited by a person: never. Translation updated 5 November 2026. Edit history
Context
In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul defends his apostleship and says that the love of Christ "constraineth" him (v. 14). Because Christ died for all, Paul says that henceforth he knows no one "after the flesh" (v. 16), and in verse 17 he states the consequence. Verses 18–21 go on to declare that God has reconciled the world to himself through Christ and has given Paul "the ministry of reconciliation."
Interpretation
- As individual new birth: On this reading, the verse means that a person united with Christ becomes a new person, renewed inwardly. In the evangelical tradition it is a classic text for explaining conversion and the new birth (John 3:3).
- As the beginning of the new creation: Translated literally, the original reads "if anyone in Christ, new creation," with no verb. It can therefore be rendered not only as "he is a new creature" but also as "there is a new creation." On this reading, the verse means that in Christ God's new creation—the new heavens and new earth spoken of in Isaiah 65:17—has already begun, and that the believer has entered into it. Galatians 6:15 is cited alongside it.
- As a change of perspective: Some interpreters, reading the verse together with verse 16, place the emphasis on a transformed way of seeing—one that no longer regards others or Christ by worldly standards.
Questions of Application
A question arises over how to reconcile the perfect-tense declaration that "all things are become new" with the reality that believers still struggle with sin. The Reformed tradition explains that the believer's status has been made new, while sanctification is a lifelong process; the Wesleyan tradition places greater emphasis on real transformation by the Holy Spirit and on the possibility of entire sanctification. Pastoral voices also caution that the verse should not be used to cover over past wounds or responsibilities.
Perspective: Korean Protestant practiceHow this idea is used in Korean churches, kept from the original Korean article.
In Korean Protestant churches, the verse is frequently used at baptismal services and in testimonies, and as a motto for the first worship service of the new year and for New Year's Eve watch-night services.
Related Passages
See also 6
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