RPG Adults
THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5
2 Corinthians 5:18-21
Hebrews 2:17
“We pray you in Christ’s stead,
be ye reconciled to God.”
THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION
In 2 Corinthians 4, the Apostle described his ministry as the glorious ministry of the New Testament. Here, we see another designation for this ministry: the ministry of reconciliation.
The term “reconciliation” (katallaggē) refers to a changing of one’s relationship or status before God. Every man outside of Christ is still in his sin. Thus, the wrath of God is upon him and he is accounted an enemy of God. However, when a man is born again, he is cleansed of his sin by the Blood of the Lamb. The wrath of God is no longer upon him. He is no longer an enemy but an adopted child of God in Christ Jesus (cf. Eph 1:5; 2:1-7).
How was Jesus Christ able to reconcile us to God? First, as 100% man, He is able to be our Representative and Substitute. Second, as 100% God, He is without sin. He was sinless at His birth; He was sinless throughout His life on earth; He was sinless at His death (cf. Heb 4:15; 1 Pet 2:21- 22). Thus, Christ was the perfect Sacrifice for our sins at Calvary. He is the spotless Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Cor 5:21). He fulfilled the divine requirements of justice, appeasing the wrath of God as the Propitiation of sins. Thus, all who repent of their sin and believe in Christ Jesus can be reconciled to God and find peace with Him.
As Christians, we are now appointed “ambassadors” of this message of reconciliation. An ambassador is a distinguished and commissioned representative of a sovereign to serve as his messenger. Thus, as “ambassadors for Christ,” we are privileged bearers of the gospel. Let us therefore do our utmost to tell others of Christ. Just like Paul, our message to the world is “be ye reconciled to God” (2 Cor 5:20). How are you faring in proclaiming the message of reconciliation?
THOUGHT: It is a privilege and honour to be a witness for Christ.
PRAYER: Father, help me to tell others about Christ.