“So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin[b] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 2.5.16-21
This is such great news. If the whole world would only read and believe these words, then everyone everywhere could be reconciled with God — made right and whole. Just as Jesus was raised from the dead, “God- reconciled the world to himself in Christ,” so we can be “reconciled to God.”
This is the key to life. Even Paul says, “We implore you on Christ’s behalf.” He might as well have said, “we beg you and plead with you to turn to Jesus.” This is God’s one answer to the sin and brokenness in this world — “God made him who had no sin, to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Consider that for a moment. We were in our sin, lost and destitute. God, throughout time and history, is reaching down to his Chosen People, trying to draw them back to himself. He gives them all kinds of laws and teachings so they can be set apart, holy just as he is holy. Ultimately most people reject God’s kindness and salvation. So God sends his son as the ultimate and final provision for humanity. The Chosen People kill this avenue of freedom, this means to their salvation.
But some people believe and through Jesus not only can we find new life, salvation, and hope, but we might become a new creation. All it takes is to be made right with God. What is preventing us from knowing God? Sin! Our own mess prevents us from walking, knowing and fully experiencing the power of God within us. Therefore, we must repent and believe the Gospel. John the Baptist and Jesus came preaching this same message. Sin keeps us from God.
The great news is that through Jesus we might become new. The old has passed away and the new has come. Once we experience this grace in own own lives then we might have life in Jesus name.
Have you received this reconciliation? Have you shared it with others? Why not do both today. Turn from sin and follow Jesus. You won’t be sorry that you did.
“O Lord God, you make a way for us to know you. The pleasures of this world and our own sin keeps us from being reconciled. But through surrendering and believing in you, we might have life today and life to come. Come now, Holy Spirit, help me find salvation in your name. I love you Lord for loving me and for saving my life. Fill me with your grace and peace that I might be your ambassador to a world lost in sin. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen