QUAERENS: Journal of Theology and Christianity Studies
Vol 7 No 2 (2025): Vol 7 No 2 (2025): QUAERENS: Journal of Theology and Christianity Studies

NEW CREATION AND LIFE TRANSFORMATION IN CHRIST: An Exegetical Study of en Christo in 2 Corinthians 5:17

Susanto Dwiraharjo (Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Moriah, Tangerang, Indonesia)
Lim Jae Young (Baptist Mission Board, Deagu, South Korea)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Dec 2025

Abstract

The inconsistency between Christian confession and daily conduct calls for a biblically grounded understanding of life transformation. This study examines the meaning of the phrase en Christo (“in Christ”) in 2 Corinthians 5:17 using grammatical and lexical exegesis. The analysis shows that the phrase denotes not merely a positional union with Christ but a dynamic, participatory relationship resulting in kainē ktisis—a new creation. The perfect tense of gegonen (“has become”) indicates that the new reality has already arrived, while the aorist parelthen (“passed away”) marks a decisive break with the old. This transformation is not superficial moral improvement but a radical, divinely wrought renewal that affects identity, character, and daily practice. The study contributes to practical theology by grounding life renewal in textual analysis rather than abstract doctrine.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

quaerens

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Education

Description

QUAERENS: Journal of Theology and Christianity Studies is a place for publication of results of research on Christian theology and Christian Religious Education with the number ISSN: 2722-0753 (online), ISSN: 2722-0869 (print), published by the Indonesian Christian Theological Association. the scope ...