Therefore, from now
on, we regard
no one according to
the flesh.
Even though we have
known Christ
according to the
flesh, yet now
we know Him thus no longer.
Therefore, if anyone
is in Christ,
he is a new creation; old things
have passed away;
behold,
all things have
become new.
2 Corinthians 5: 16
-- 17
This verse
could easily be misinterpreted, misused, therefore, when it speaks
that we regard no one according to the flesh we must then examine what this
means and how we are to understand what the apostle Paul wrote. The Greek word used here is: ούδένα, and is
an accusative singular and masculine word from, ούδείς, and has this meaning
and is used in various passages of Scripture, not one, no one, none, nothing,
and metaphorically ούδέν, which is a normative and accusative, either/or,
singular and nature which then means nothing, of no account, naught. So then how are we to understand what Paul
wrote? Let me break this down
for you: ού, is a word of negation, not, no, and the various peculiarities of
its usage must be learned from the grammars and within the context. Now we come to δέ, and can be variously
rendered as, but, on the other hand, and, also, now, et cetera. Therefore a literal translation would be, but
not, or nothing and then being in the masculine, not as an English word gender
issues differently than in the Greek word that gender is a grammatical word
that does not mean the man, or woman, or nothing unless in the context calls
for such rendering. So, what does this
mean? As a Christian we do not regard
anything according to the flesh, in other words, we no longer look towards and
for carnal things, or the fleshly things of this world because we no
longer know Jesus Christ from that viewpoint.
By the way, the word Him thus
is in italics so that there is clarity in regards to what the Greek word is
pointing to which is Jesus Christ. As a
true, Authentic Christian our authenticity, manifest in our exercise of our
faith according to Scripture. The
reason for this is we have become a new creation and the old things are passed
away, all things are become new. Once
again, the question for us is: Do you really believe that you are a new
creation? Second question: do you
really believe that the old things have passed away? If so then are you manifesting Jesus Christ, His commands, and
your life? Did I not tell you that to
be a Christian it's going to take courage?
This is going to require that Jesus Christ holds priority in your life
over everything in this life. Here's
where the rub is; we want to be in charge of our life and not be told how we
are to live our life even if Scripture that has been inspired by God for you
tells you to do a certain thing. We
love our antinomy! There are two things
that are necessary in order for anyone to live to Christ and both are the
consequences that come from the death of Jesus Christ upon the cross: 1. Regeneration. 2. Reconciliation. What is regeneration? I think we can understand this word for the
first two letters re, means to do something again and in this case to generate
which means an ongoing process and that consist of our being weaned from this
world. Do you really think you own
yourself? We do not for as a true
Authentic Christian we do not own or affect any person or thing in this world
and especially not for carnal ends and for outward advantages. We have been enabled by divine grace and this
enabling is so that we do not regard this world, or the things of this world,
but we are to live above them. We shall
often speak of our love for Jesus Christ, and many attempt to do various types
of antic and gyrations or other things to somehow demonstrate to this world
of their love for Jesus Christ. How
silly! The love of Jesus Christ is in
our hearts, is an inward change, a regeneration of ourselves; for the world is
actually under your feet. I am not here
suggesting that we should go about in some sort of sack cloth and ashes, living
as a hermit, no, believers are to enjoy the comforts of this life, and their
relations in this world, but with holy indifference. As Authentic Christians, we must live upon the spiritual presence
of Jesus Christ, and then enjoy the inward comfort it affords. Think upon this once again: You are a new
creation and by our regeneration which consists in a thorough change in our
heart should cause us to be the care of all who profess the Christian faith for
they also are new creatures. They are
our eternal brothers and sisters! We
are the bride of Christ and we have a new name, and we make a new profession,
and you have a new heart, and a new nature.
This change that comes by means of grace of God is great and makes
the soul of man, that is those old thoughts, those old principles, and those
old practices to pass away, then all these things must become new. Regeneration creates a new world in the soul
and by this renewing man acts from new principles, by new rules, with new ends
in mind, and in new company. You are
being reformed, that is formed anew, and your heart is not merely set right,
but a new heart is implanted in you.
Your understanding is enlightened, and your affections are sanctified,
His will is brought into subjection according to the law of Jesus Christ, there
is a change in your conversation, your pursuits, and your matter of life is
changed. You are born again of the
Spirit and this to the incorruptible seed of the word. These expressions must and do mean more than
outward reformation. Every high thought
is cast down, and as a little child, you sit at the feet of Jesus to learn
this. All manner of sin is forsaken, and
every grace of the Spirit is sought after and in this you now see
the beauty in our Savior and your desire is in Him for you now love Him
supremely.
For then I will
restore to the peoples
a pure language, that they may
call on the name of the LORD,
to serve Him with one accord.
Zephaniah
3: 9
May you manifest
regeneration
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