Essex Congregational Remembrancer Galatians 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. I. WHAT THE APOSTLE HERE MEANS BY THE NEW CREATURE. It is not a mere reformation, but a creation — not a partial, but a complete, entire, and radical change. This new creation is of God. It is — 1. Divine in its origin. Its commencement, its progress, its consummation, belong to God. 2. God has various methods in effecting this change. Here we might mention the afflictive dispensations of Providence; the admonitions and expostulations of friends. 3. It is a total and universal change. It is complete in its purpose. II. IN WHAT WAYS THIS IMPORTANT CHANGE IS DISCOVERED AND MANIFESTED. It is the new world of grace, springing into existence with all its rich furniture, and increasing in beauty. The subject of this glorious change is led to the adoption — 1. Of new views. No new faculties are bestowed. There is what is called the eye of the mind, which is the faculty by which the mind views the objects presented to its notice. 2. In the new creation there is a change in the affections. These, it is true, existed before, but now they flow in a new channel, and are directed to other objects. 3. In the new creation new principles are implanted. The new creature is governed by the principles of the Christian religion. Love and gratitude to God, and benevolence to mankind at large. The principles of the new creature are gathered from his relation to eternity. 4. In the new creation there will be a new and holy life. There the change will be visible. "By their fruits ye shall know them" (see Ezekiel 36:25-27; 1 John 3:9, 10). (Essex Congregational Remembrancer.) Parallel Verses KJV: For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.WEB: For in Christ Jesus neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. |
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