New creation (theology)
Biblical concept of restoration and new life through Christ.
The new creation (Greek: καινὴ κτίσις) is a theological concept found in both the Old Testament and New Testament, related to the new life and new man, with reference to the Genesis creation narrative. It arises from Old Testament prophecies of restoration after covenant curses, such as Isaiah 65:17, and is developed in the letters of Paul and other New Testament writings.
- concept
- New creation (theology)
- greek_phrase
- καινὴ κτίσις
- old_testament_reference
- Isaiah 65:17
- pauline_references
- Galatians 6:15, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:10, Colossians 1:15-23
- gospel_allusions
- Matthew 1:1, John 1:1, John 19:30, John 20:1,19,22, Luke 24:31
Lore & Background
Other New Testament references include allusions in the Gospels. Matthew 1:1 uses the word genesis (γένεσις) as a double entendre between 'origin,' 'Genesis,' and 'genealogy,' mirroring the Septuagint's 'Book of Creation.' The Gospel of John contains multiple allusions: its opening 'In the beginning was the word' mirrors Genesis; Jesus' final words 'it is finished' mirror Genesis 2:1; the resurrection occurs on 'the first day of the week' (John 20:1,19); the resurrection is the implied eighth sign after seven signs; the garden tomb and Jesus mistaken as 'the gardener' allude to Eden; and Jesus breathing on the disciples mirrors God breathing into Adam.
Reader's Guide
The concept of new creation is significant for its integration of Old Testament prophetic hope with New Testament Christology. It contrasts the old, Adamic creation with the new creation in Christ, as noted by N. T. Wright in Colossians 1. The idea appears not only in explicit Pauline statements but also in subtle Gospel allusions, suggesting a widespread early Christian understanding of Jesus' work as inaugurating a new creation. This theology underscores the continuity and discontinuity between the original creation and the restored order promised through Christ, influencing later Christian doctrines of salvation, eschatology, and ecclesiology.
Did You Know?
- The phrase 'new creation' appears explicitly in Galatians 6:15 and 2 Corinthians 5:17 in the Authorized King James Version.
- Isaiah 65:17 is a key Old Testament reference for the concept: 'See, I will create new heavens and a new earth.'
- Matthew 1:1 uses the word genesis (γένεσις) as a double entendre, mirroring the Septuagint's 'Book of Creation.'
- In John 20:22, Jesus breathes on the disciples, mirroring God breathing into Adam in Genesis 2:7.
More in Genesis creation narrative 1-24
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