Speaker: Pastor Dr Shaik Saleem

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, the Apostle Paul declares, “If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation.” The phrase “in Christ” is not merely a devotional expression; it is a profound biblical truth that lies at the heart of Christian faith. To truly grasp its meaning, we must understand the New Testament in light of the Old Testament. These two Testaments are not separate but deeply interconnected. The 39 books of the Old Testament lay the foundation for God’s covenant, while the 27 books of the New Testament reveal the hidden truths and deeper realities of that covenant. Without the Old Testament, the depth of the New Testament cannot be fully appreciated.

In the Old Testament, life was closely tied to covenant and place. The concept of the “land of the living” often symbolized God’s presence, rule, and blessings. Jerusalem, the center of worship, represented this spiritual life, while exile felt like entering the “land of death.” The New Testament shows this covenant fulfilled in Christ. Being “in Christ” transcends geography; it is about participating in covenantal life with Him.

Those in Christ are a new creation, freed from guilt, unified as one body, and partakers of all spiritual blessings. Faith in Jesus grants access to His eternal kingdom and a personal, living relationship with God—a higher reality, eternal hope, and a new identity fully realized in Christ.