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

Susanto Dwiraharjo; Lim Jae  Young

doi:10.46362/quaerens.v7i2.400

NEW CREATION AND LIFE TRANSFORMATION IN CHRIST

An Exegetical Study of en Christo in 2 Corinthians 5:17

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DOI https://doi.org/10.46362/quaerens.v7i2.400

Susanto Dwiraharjo ¹ , Lim Jae Young ²

¹Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Moriah, Tangerang, Indonesia , ²Baptist Mission Board, Deagu, South Korea

¹ gitagracia_9903@yahoo.co.id , ² limsttbj@gmail.com

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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 (ΓÇ£in ChristΓÇ¥) 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 kain─ô ktisisΓÇöa new creation. The perfect tense of gegonen (ΓÇ£has becomeΓÇ¥) indicates that the new reality has already arrived, while the aorist parelthen (ΓÇ£passed awayΓÇ¥) 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.

Keywords: new creation life in Christ exegesis study en Christo 2 Corinthians 5:17 life transformation

Issue Vol. 7 No. 2 (2025)

Section Articles

Pages 122-141

Published 2025-12-30

NEW CREATION AND LIFE TRANSFORMATION IN CHRIST: An Exegetical Study of en Christo in 2 Corinthians 5:17. (2025). QUAERENS: Journal of Theology and Christianity Studies, 7(2), 122-141. https://doi.org/10.46362/quaerens.v7i2.400

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