June 6, 2021

The Ministry of Reconciliation

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: 2 Corinthians 5:12-21
Service Type:
  • To open up - the most powerful truth in Scripture
  • The text this evening encapsulate the whole truth of our salvation
    • v21
    • Only 15 words long (in Greek) - but the most powerful truth in Scripture
  • The wonderous work of God reconciling us to Himself
  • Context - Paul is writing about the ministry of reconciliation
    • The good news of Christianity is that we can be reconciled to God
    • v19
    • Explanation of reconciliation
    • Fallen humanity and God
  • Why is it necessary for us to be reconciled to God?
    • Because we are sinners
    • Dead in trespasses and sins
    • Children of wrath
    • Rejecting God
    • An enmity between God and man
    • Unable to have fellowship with Him
    • This is why this text is such a powerful truth in Scripture
    • We are separated from God
    • We are the offending party
  • It begins with God - the only way reconciliation could occur is if He instituted it
    • v21 - God is the first mover
    • Only He knows what it takes to make a sinner right
    • God is always the initiator - example John 3:16, 1 John 4:14, Rom 5:8
    • It is God who acts and God who saves
  • Jesus was without sin
    • Even non-Christians proclaim Christ as without sin - Example of Pilot - John 18:38, the Roman Centurion - Luke 23:47
    • The apostles preached Christ as righteous - Example of Peter - Acts 3:14
    • God testifies of Jesus' perfection - at His baptism and His transfiguration
    • A sinless man who was God - became our substitute
  • Jesus became sin for us - He did not become sinful or a sinner - but our sins were imputed to Him
    • The cost of our sin was credited to Christ's account
    • 1 Pet 3:18
    • Death is the price of sin - Rom 6:23
    • The sacrifice of animals would not suffice
    • The sacrifice of the Lamb of God was required
    • God poured out His wrath upon sin
    • Isa 53:4-5
  • Imputed righteousness
    • Christ's righteousness imputed to us
    • The price has been paid
    • We have His righteousness so that we can stand before God's holiness
    • We can enjoy His presence forever
    • Our sin is taken away and we are given Christ's righteousness
  • Closing Remarks
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