Paul’s Understanding on New Creation and Spirit and Its Theological Implications

Abstract

It can be said that Paul is the most important biblical author who deals with the concept of new creation thoroughly and crucially in the New Testament. Although Paul uses the term rarely (only twice) in his epistles, the concept itself has much broader meaning than its frequency. In other words, the concept may be found even where the word is absent, particularly in the soteriological and eschatological context. The purpose of this article is to explore some theological implications in relation to the concept of new creation understood by Paul. There are three main arguments in it. First of all, there is a pneumatological reality in new creation concept. This can be found in the framework of salvation history. For Paul, Christ event is a transition to bring the new covenant age from the old covenant age. At the same time, Paul understands the Holy Spirit as the power that helps believers ecognize the new covenant age. So it is impossible for Paul to think of new creation without the Holy Spirit. Second, there is an aspect of new humanity in the concept. The presence of a new creation means that new standards of life replace worldly standards. According to Paul, the new standards should be applicable to ethnic groups, churches, and all believers in the new humanity. Finally, Paul’s concept of new creation includes cosmic salvation. The sayings in both 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 and Romans 8:19-21 suggest much more than human transformation. Paul argues that God reconciled “all things” through Christ including the entire natural world.