Born Again vs New Creature in Christian Theology
The concepts of being "born again" and a "new creature" (or "new creation") are closely related in Christian thought, both describing the transformative experience of salvation. The phrase "new creature" directly appears in the New Testament, notably in 2 Corinthians 5:17, which states, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new" [1, 2]. Similarly, Galatians 6:15 declares, "For in Christ Jesus neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation" [3]. This "new creation" signifies a fundamental change in nature, distinct from merely being recent [7].
The term "regeneration" is used in the New Testament to mean "new birth" [4]. This "new birth" is essential for entering heaven [5]. It is described as a spiritual transformation effected by God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, often through the instrumentality of God's word [5]. Adam Clarke, a Methodist commentator, connects this new birth to a physical renewal, stating that a person "shall be born a new creature" and "return to the days of his youth," becoming a child of God through faith [9].
The "new creature" is understood as a person who is "in Christ," meaning they are genuinely united with Him by faith [7, 8]. This union results in a radical change from a former state of being a "child of Satan" and a "slave of sin" to becoming a "child of God," free from sin and bearing fruit unto holiness [8]. The "new creation" is not merely a superficial change but a profound spiritual renewal, described as a "new nature quite different from anything previously existing" [7].
The "new birth" is also referred to as "regeneration" in Titus 3:5 and is linked to "a passing from death to life" and "a renewal of the mind" [4]. John Gill, a Baptist commentator, explains that this birth is not "of blood" (referring to physical lineage or religious rituals like circumcision) but is a spiritual transformation where individuals become "new creatures" [10]. The "new creation" is a work of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, occurring "in the beginning" of a believer's spiritual life [6]. This transformation is so complete that it is described as a "newness of life" [5].
Sources
- 2 Corinthians “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new. -- 2 Corinthians 5:17”
- II Corinthians “II Corinthians 5:17 (BSB) — Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!”
- Galatians “For in Christ Jesus neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. -- Galatians 6:15”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Regeneration — Only found in Matt. 19:28 and Titus 3:5. This word literally means a "new birth." The Greek word so rendered (palingenesia) is used by classical writers with reference to the changes produced by the return of spring. In Matt. 19:28 the word is equivalent to the "restitution of all things" (Acts 3:21). In Titus 3:5 it denotes that change of heart elsewhere spoken of as a passing from death to life (1 John 3:14); becoming a new creature in Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 5:17); being born again (John 3:5); a renewal of the mind (Rom. 12:2); a resurrection from the ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: New Birth, The — The corruption of human nature requires -- Joh 3:6; Ro 8:7,8. None can enter heaven without -- Joh 3:3. Effected by God. -- Joh 1:13; 1Pe 1:3. Christ. -- 1Jo 2:29. The Holy Spirit. -- Joh 3:6; Tit 3:5. Through the instrumentality of The word of God. -- Jas 1:18; 1Pe 1:23. The resurrection of Christ. -- 1Pe 1:3. The ministry of the gospel. -- 1Co 4:15. Is of the will of God -- Jas 1:18. Is of the mercy of God -- Tit 3:5. Is for the glory of God -- Isa 43:7. Described as A new creation. -- 2Co 5:17; Ga 6:15; Eph 2:10. Newness of life. -- Ro 6:4. A spir”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Creation — The formation of things which had no previous existence -- Ro 4:17; Heb 11:3. Effected By God. -- Ge 1:1; 2:4,5; Pr 26:10. By Christ. -- Joh 1:3,10; Col 1:16. By the Holy Spirit. -- Job 26:13; Ps 104:30. By the command of God. -- Ps 33:9; Heb 11:3. In the beginning. -- Ge 1:1; Mt 24:21. In six normal days. -- Ex 20:11; 31:17. According to God's purpose. -- Ps 135:6. For God's pleasure. -- Pr 16:4; Re 4:11. For Christ. -- Col 1:16. By faith we believe, to be God's work -- Heb 11:3. Order of First day, making light and dividing it from darkness. -- Ge 1:3-5;”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore--connected with the words in Co2 5:16, "We know Christ no more after the flesh." As Christ has entered on His new heavenly life by His resurrection and ascension, so all who are "in Christ" (that is, united to Him by faith as the branch is In the vine) are new creatures (Rom 6:9-11). "New" in the Greek implies a new nature quite different from anything previously existing, not merely recent, which is expressed by a different Greek word (Gal 6:15). creature--literally, "creation," and so the creature resulting from the creation (compa”
- 2 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Corinthians 5:17: If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature - It is vain for a man to profess affinity to Christ according to the flesh, while he is unchanged in his heart and life, and dead in trespasses and sins; for he that is in Christ, that is, a genuine Christian, having Christ dwelling in his heart by faith, is a new creature; his old state is changed: he was a child of Satan, he is now a child of God; he was a slave of sin, and his works were death; he is now made free from sin, and has his fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. He was before full of pr”
- Job (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Job 33:25: His flesh shall be fresher than a child's - He shall be born a new creature. He shall return to the days of his youth - He shall be born again, and become a child of God, through faith in Christ Jesus.”
- John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 1:13: Which were born not of blood,.... Or bloods, in the plural number. The birth, here spoken of, is regeneration, expressed by a being born again, or from above; by a being quickened by the Spirit and grace of God; by Christ being formed in men; and by a partaking of the divine nature; and by being made new creatures, as all that believe in the name of Christ are; and which is the evidence of their being the sons of God: and now this is owing not to blood, or bloods; not to the blood of circumcision; or of the passover, which the Jews had an high opinion of, and ascribe li”