Christian Basics by Robert M. West

Author:Robert M. West [West, Robert M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781636093994
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2022-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Reconciliation

IN TEN WORDS OR LESS

Friendship with God is offered through Christ’s death.

DETAILS, PLEASE

In 2 Corinthians 5:17–21 the apostle Paul discusses reconciliation, meaning “to change” or “exchange.” This text describes God’s saving work of changing people’s hostilities toward Him so they can become united to Him as those made new in Christ (verse 17). God first reconciles people to Himself (verses 18–19), not holding them accountable for their sins—He is “not imputing their trespasses unto them.” Impute is a banking term meaning “to put on one’s account.” The punishment for sin has been paid in full, removed from the sinner’s account and applied to Christ in the great exchange (verse 21). Once reconciled, Christ’s former enemies become His “ambassadors” (verse 20)—official diplomats acting with “the ministry of reconciliation” (verse 18) and speaking on His behalf with “the word of reconciliation” (verse 19). Christians are supposed to reach others with the message “Be ye reconciled to God” (verse 20). This message is one of great urgency. As Paul wrote in the next chapter, “Now is the day of salvation” (6:2)!

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURES

• For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (Romans 5:10)

• For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation. (Ephesians 2:14 NKJV)

WHAT OTHERS SAY

There can be no peace between you and Christ while there is peace between you and sin. Charles. H. Spurgeon

SO WHAT?

Since God through the Gospel has removed the former hostility between us and Him, we should remove hostilities between ourselves and others so people can find their way to Him.

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