What role do we play in the "message of reconciliation" mentioned here? The Heart of Reconciliation: God’s Initiative • “God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:19) • Reconciliation begins entirely with God’s action—He removes the barrier of sin through Christ’s atoning death (Romans 5:10–11). • Our role flows from His completed work; we do not invent the message, we steward it. Our Commission: Carriers of the Message • Verses 18–19 call this responsibility “the ministry of reconciliation.” • Verse 20 describes us as “ambassadors for Christ”—authorized representatives speaking on His behalf. • The Great Commission echoes this calling: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19–20). • Practically, we: – Announce the gospel plainly (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). – Urge repentance and faith, just as Christ did (Mark 1:15). – Invite others to be “at peace with God” through Christ (Romans 5:1). Living Proof: Demonstrating the Reconciled Life • A credible messenger lives the message: – Walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). – Display the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). – Practice forgiveness, mirroring God’s pardon (Ephesians 4:32). • Holiness and love validate the words we speak (Philippians 2:15–16). Intercession: Standing in the Gap • Paul pleads, “We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20) • We intercede in prayer for unbelievers (1 Timothy 2:1–4). • In prayer we rely on the Spirit’s conviction (John 16:8) rather than human persuasion alone. Extending Peace Horizontally • Vertical reconciliation with God leads to horizontal reconciliation with people (Ephesians 2:14–18). • Peacemaking, justice, and mercy become natural outworkings (Matthew 5:9; Micah 6:8). • The church models a reconciled community—Jew and Gentile, every ethnicity made one in Christ (Colossians 3:11). Eternal Perspective: Urgency and Hope • “Since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men.” (2 Corinthians 5:11) • Everyone will appear before Christ’s judgment seat (v. 10); therefore, reconciliation is urgent. • Yet the promise is sure: “God… through Christ reconciled us to Himself” (v. 18), guaranteeing success to His gospel proclamation (Isaiah 55:11). Summary: Our Role in One Sentence We steward, speak, and embody the gospel so that others may receive the reconciliation God has already secured in Christ. |
    |