The Cross and the New Creation

Intro: The inability of flesh and blood to grasp the message of the cross; the need for a supernatural workd done by the Lord alone

1. The New Creation:
   a. Like unto the first creation, a 'genesis again' especially in power
   b. The work of the triune God alone, without man's assistance
   c. Related to the new creation to come at the end of the age

• the great importance of this!
• are you born again? a new creature in Christ?

2. Focus on circumcision, uncircumcision, or any outward ritual out of bounds:
   a. Circumcision as a sign and seal points to this new creation reality, and is not the reality itself
   b. New creation is identified not with the sign or seal, but what is signified - we are the circumcision; circumcision is of the heart; have the circumcision made without hands
   c. Circumcision and new covenant baptism joined and point to the same inward change of the new creation

• Don't divide the one people of God
• More on this next time in 6:16