What does it mean to have a new creation in Christ?

When a person is in Christ, that individual is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). This new birth, as explained in 1 John 3:9, signifies that the believer has been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and is no longer enslaved to sin. The old self passes away, and the new self is characterized by a longing for holiness and a rejection of sin. The new creation cannot sin because God’s seed remains in him, indicating a profound change of nature and desires, leading to a lifestyle that reflects God's righteousness and love.