Why does 2 Corinthians 5:17 say new creation instead of new creature?
In the Greek, the words creation and creature are the same identical word. The term creation fits English better because believers are not merely made a new creature; they are a whole new creation of God, reflecting the Holy Spirit's new creative work in the believer.
Les explains that because believers no longer hang on Christ's earthly ministry but on His death, burial, and resurrection, verse 17 says that if anyone be in Christ, he is a new creation. He notes that someone objected to using creation instead of creature, but in the Greek they are the same identical word. Creation fits English better because believers are not just made a new creature; they are a whole new creation of God. That is what makes a believer a believer, and unless one has experienced it, they are not a believer. There must be that new creative work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. Les then goes to 1 Corinthians 12:13, where by one Spirit—the Holy Spirit—all believers, not just the best or most spiritual or those who had a particular experience, are baptized into one body.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
More Questions
Why is 'new creation' better than 'new creature' in 2 Corinthians 5:17?
The word 'creation' in 'new creation' is a better translation than 'creature' because our salvation is a work of creation—a work of the power of God.
Is the Greek word in 2 Corinthians 5:17 'creation' or 'creature'?
In the Greek, the words behind 'creation' and 'creature' are the same identical word.
Why does a person in Christ become a new creation?
Anyone in Christ is a new creation; old things pass away and all things become new because of the salvation experience and what God has done for us.