The reason we ask this provocative question is because of some mysterious passages in the New Testament that make us wonder when the New Creation starts. One of the most striking passages is Ephesians 2:6: “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” (NIV).
Notice that “raised” is in the past tense. Christians have already been raised in some way. But even more important is the fact that we have been raised “with Christ”. Thus, we are joined with Jesus in his resurrection. And because we are joined with him part of us is currently dwelling in heaven!
So what does this have to do with the New Creation to come? The answer is that Jesus’ resurrection is the beginning of the New Creation. And in the Old Testament the idea of resurrection was connected with the new ideal age that God would establish. Jesus’ resurrection leads to our resurrection which ultimately leads to the completion of the New Creation. We see this progression in I Cor. 15:20-24:
“20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.”
Notice that in this passage Christians have not been resurrected yet, whereas in Ephesians 2:6 Christians have been resurrected. Thus, we see that our resurrection is “already but not yet” finished. But these two phases of our resurrection are all part of the progression towards the time when “all will be made alive”, “the end will come” and Jesus “hands over the kingdom to God.” These words refer to the New Creation.
Why does this matter? Because we are presently living in the New Creation. We have God’s power to live as new created people; we are “new creatures.” The end times began with Jesus’ resurrection which is also the beginning of the New Creation. This New Creation powers our spiritual growth and discipleship. We experience spiritual formation into the image of Christ who is the second Adam. We become what God originally intended us to be and more. And all of society will become the utopia, the paradise, the ideal world that many strive to establish. This is the river that carries us today. Pray that our eyes may be enlightened to see this reality.
