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What God Is Doing In Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. Reconciling The World. “Reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Cor. 5:19) Notice the direction of action It is the “world to Himself”
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What God Is Doing In Christ 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Reconciling The World • “Reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Cor. 5:19) • Notice the direction of action • It is the “world to Himself” • Though it is a popular theory, there isn’t anywhere in the New Testament where God must reconciled to the world
It is God offering reconciliation to sinful man • All separated from God due to sin (Isa. 59:1-2; Rom. 3:23) • God offers salvation through Christ • Seek and save the lost (Lk. 19:10) • Christ would die for us (Rom. 5:6-8) • He is a sacrifice for our sins (Heb. 9:26) • Shed His blood to redeem us from sin (Matt. 26:28; 1 Peter 1:18-19)
“The word of reconciliation” • Unless eyes are open it will not be seen (2 Cor. 4:2-4) • It has the ability to save (James 1:21) • It is God’s great power (Rom. 1:16)
A New Creature • The gospel is “good news” • Literally. EUAGELION, “a reward for good tidings” (Vine) • Cf. Acts 10:34-43 • It must be obeyed (2 Thess. 1:8)
Should bring a reaction (Acts 2:37) • Action then required (Acts 2:38) • Reconciled as a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17) • Old man dead and buried (Rom. 6:4a) • New man raised (Rom. 6:4b) • Not just “nicer” or “improved”, but a new man through and through (1 Thess. 5:23)
A Choice To Be Made • God is not going to force anyone to be reconciled (Matt. 23:37) • It calls for a life lived by faith (Gal. 2:20) • How could anyone surpass the words of 2 Corinthians 5:20. “…we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God”