RECONCILIATION IN NEW COVENANT MINISTRY

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RECONCILIATION: A BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR THE GLORY OF THE NEW COVENANT TO MANIFEST

Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

2 Corinthians 5:11. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.

14. For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died;

17. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

20. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.

21. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Glory be to the Lord Jesus in the highest for another wonderful day this week. May His grace continue to abound in our lives, in Jesus' name.

Previously, we discussed the expectations of those who receive the new covenant ministry. Today, we will focus on the message of reconciliation. In our earlier discussion, we learned that each of us is to live in a way that pleases God, so that when we appear before the judgment seat, we can be justified. For this reason, Paul never rested in his mission; he tirelessly preached the message of reconciliation to others so that they could be restored to God. As believers, we too are called to share this message so that others may be reconciled to God.

In verse 14, Paul describes his motivation as his love for Christ. Believers are to love Christ dearly, and let that love fuel their passion. If we truly love Him, we will be willing to go to great lengths for Him. If we truly love Him, we will keep His commandments (John 14:15: "If you love Me, keep My commandments"). One of His commandments is that we go into the world and preach the gospel to all creation (Mark 16:15: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature").

If we truly love, we will love others. If we truly love Him, we will not serve God in a way that pleases only men (eyeservice). If we truly love Him, we will abstain from sin. Love for Him will be evident in all that we do.

LET THE LOVE OF GOD BE YOUR MOTIVATION IN THIS KINGDOM, BECAUSE THERE IS NO REWARD FOR EYESERVICE.

Those who make images of Christ and use them in worship do not take the way God has appointed to strengthen their faith and quicken their affections. It is God’s will that we should not know Christ after the flesh any longer. A thorough change of heart is the only requirement. If any man is in Christ, if any man is a true Christian and desires to be such, he is—or must be—a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17). Some versions say, “Let him be a new creature.” This should be the care of all who profess the Christian faith: to be new creatures—not merely with a new name and appearance, but with a new heart and new nature. The change that God’s grace brings to the soul is so great that, as it follows, old things pass away—old thoughts, old principles, and old practices are gone. All things must become new.

Note that regenerating grace creates a new world within the soul; all things become new. The renewed person acts from new principles, by new rules, for new purposes, and in new company (2 Corinthians 5:18).

Through the inspiration of God, the Scriptures were written, containing the word of reconciliation. They show us that peace was made by the blood of the cross, that reconciliation is achieved, and they guide us on how we can participate in it. God has appointed the office of ministry, which is a ministry of reconciliation. Ministers are to proclaim the terms of mercy and reconciliation to sinners and persuade them to embrace it.

Reconciliation is an essential duty. Faithful ministers are Christ’s ambassadors, sent to negotiate peace and reconciliation with sinners. They come in God’s name, with His entreaties, and act in Christ’s stead—doing exactly what He did while on earth, and what He continues to desire now that He is in heaven.

Lastly, we can only be made right with God by believing in Jesus Christ, who never sinned but became the sin offering so that we could be reconciled to God.

PRAYER:

Lord, we bless Your name this morning, and we thank You for the message You have sent us. Your name is to be praised forever. We pray that You help us carry the message of reconciliation to others as well. Fill our hearts with Your love, and let it fuel our passion in this kingdom. Grant us the grace to reign with You, in Jesus' name. Amen.


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