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NASB | 2 Corinthians 5:18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Corinthians 5:18 But all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ [making us acceptable to Him] and gave us the ministry of reconciliation [so that by our example we might bring others to Him], |
Bible Question:
What is the ministry of reconcilation? How far does (or should) it extend? How might this affect the way we see evangelism? What must precede reconciliation? |
Bible Answer: mommapbs, Reconcile: The literal sense is to call back into union. To conciliate anew; to call back into union and friendship the affections which have been alienated; to restore to friendship or favor after estrangement; as, to reconcile men or parties that have been at variance. Col 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; Col 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (KJV) Reconciliation supposes a former state of amity and friendship, as man was originally with God. A breach of that friendship was made in the heart of man. It is to be understood not of a reconciliation of God to man, which Scripture nowhere speaks of, but of man to God. “For while we were yet sinners God loved us.” It is owing to His sovereign good will and pleasure that He took the first step towards it. He knew what a state of enmity and rebellion His people would fall into. His thoughts ran upon our peace and reconciliation from everlasting. He sent His Son so that in the fullness of time this should be brought about, "by Him", His Son Jesus Christ, whom He appointed and called to this work, and sent to do it and who is therefore, in prophecy, before this reconciliation was actually made, called "Shiloh", the Prince of Peace, in whom all the elect were gathered together, as in one head, and were reconciled in one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, through Him. Rather, to God the Father, to whom they were enemies. It was His law that was broken, and His justice that was injured. In a way of full satisfaction to law and justice, Christ has enacted this reconciliation by His sacrifice, sufferings, and death as expressed in, “having made peace through the blood of His cross.” (Joh 15:13 KJV) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. If we are going to help reconcile a relationship, it must start "within" us first. "They shall know that you are Mine by your love for one another." terrib |