A New Creation

A New Creation

Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.

Galatians 6:15

A change in clothing or other externals doesn’t make a new creation, as some imagine. It happens through the renewal of the mind by the Holy Spirit. This is subsequently followed by a change in the body, limbs, and senses. For when the heart receives new light, new judgment, and new impulses through the gospel, the external senses also are renewed. Then the ears have the desire to hear God’s Word instead of human ideas and dreams. The mouth and the tongue no longer praise their own works, righteousness, and rules but joyfully praise God’s mercy, which was revealed in Christ. These are not merely changes in words but real changes. They include a new mind, new will, new senses, and also new ways of behaving. Not only do the eyes, ears, mouth, and tongue see, hear, and speak differently than before, but the mind itself resolves to follow a different way of living.

Formerly, when our hearts were blinded by errors in teachings from Rome, we imagined that God was a salesman who sold his grace in exchange for our works and achievements. Now, however, since the light of the gospel has dawned, we know that we are credited as righteous only by faith in Christ. Our hearts throw out all self-chosen works and perform only the work of their calling and the works of love, which God commands. They praise God and joyfully boast in their trust in God’s mercy. When enduring danger or disaster, our hearts suffer with joy and gladness, even though our sinful nature continues to grumble. This is what Paul meant by a new creation.