Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

I would express it by saying that God has already taken the initiative, and has completed His part of the reconciliation process by having Christ pay the full penalty for the sin that separated humanity from God -- a payment verified as sufficient through Christ's subsequent resurrection.

It is now up to each individual who has appropriated Christ's righteousness through faith by hearing and believing the gospel message to act as God's ambassadors in bringing the news of that reconciliation and salvation to those who have not yet heard it or responded to it, so that they, too, may be saved, and then, in turn, tell others themselves, thereby reconciling them to God, also.

January 26 2022 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What can we learn about the doctrine of reconciliation in 2 Corinthians 5:11-21?

In 2 Corinthians 5:11-21, the doctrine of reconciliation reveals that God took the ultimate initiative to restore humanity's broken relationship with Him through Christ. Believers are transformed into a new creation and entrusted with the active, urgent mission of serving as His "ambassadors" to share this grace-filled message.

The doctrine of reconciliation in this passage teaches several profound theological and practical truths:

Initiated Entirely by God: Reconciliation is not something humanity achieved, but a gift that God initiated. As the offended party, God actively removed the barrier of sin and no longer counts people's trespasses against them.

Motivated by Christ's Love: Paul states that "Christ's love compels us". The overwhelming realisation of what Jesus did motivates believers to live no longer for themselves, but for Him, viewing their neighbours with the same grace.

The Divine Exchange (Substitution): The mechanism of reconciliation rests on Christ's sacrifice. Jesus, who was entirely without sin, was "made to be sin" on our behalf, so that believers could receive and embody the very "righteousness of God."

All humans who exercise faith in the ransom can become reconciled to God. (John 3:36) Paul says: recorded in 2 Corinthians 5:20-21, "We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God. 21 Him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him."

Christians have a superior basis for coming to God​—the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. (John 14:6; 1 Peter 3:18) If we exercise faith in the ransom sacrifice provided by God and obey Him, we too can have our sins forgiven and enjoy God's favour and blessing. (John 3:17, 18) 

Paul spoke about a great honour given to him and his fellow Christians. (Read 2 Corinthians 5:18-20.) He explained that they were called by God for a specific purpose, to carry out "the ministry of the reconciliation," to beg people to "become reconciled to God." That meant restoring friendship or harmony with God.

What makes the call to reconciliation all the more remarkable is that even though the breach was solely one-sided​—caused by man's rebellion in Eden—​God himself took the initiative to mend the breach. 

What did he do? Paul answered: 2 Corinthians 5:19, "To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation."

Paul closes the chapter with an account of the great propitiation, Christ, by whom reconciliation is made; as that he was in himself without sin, and yet was by imputation made sin for sinners, that they, in the same way, might be made righteous in the sight of God through him, 2Co 5:21.

Sensing God's will and recognising the time in which he lived, Paul tirelessly expended himself in "the ministry of the reconciliation." God's will has not changed.

7 hours ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report