The Ministry of Reconciliation

 Corinthians 5:17-21   Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,{ union with Christ} he {follower of Christ] is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look new things

As Christian who follow Christ we’ve being redeemed by Jesus blood that purchased our sin while on the cross note the phase in Christ he also she as well meaning it not us who change us its Christ As scripture declares, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.  Ezekiel 36:26

 

Reformed Bible study wrote in Christ. Union with Christ summarizes our experience of redemption. Believers are elected (Eph. 1:4, 11), justified (Rom. 8:1), sanctified (1 Cor. 1:2), and glorified (3:18) “in Christ.” Here Paul focuses on the momentous significance of the believer’s union with the Savior. Because Christ is the “last Adam,” the One in whom humanity is recreated (1 Cor. 15:45; Gal. 6:16; Eph. 2:10) and who inaugurates the new age of messianic blessing (Gal. 1:4; cf. Matt. 11:2–6), the believer’s spiritual union with Christ is nothing less than participation in the “new creation.”

 

Nelison Bible Study wrote 5:17 in Christ: Paul is presenting the results of Christ’s death for the believer and the believer’s death with Him (see v. 14). Because believers are united with Jesus both in His death and resurrection, they participate in the new creation. That is, they receive the benefits of being restored by Christ to what God had originally created them to be (Gen. 1:26; 1 Cor. 15:45–49).

 

In Believer Bible Commentary wrote 5:17 If anyone is in Christ, that is, saved, he is a new creation. Before conversion, one might have judged others according to human standards. But, now all that is changed Old methods of judging have passed away; behold, all things have become new. This verse is a favorite with those who have recently been born again, and is often quoted in personal testimonies. Sometimes in being thus quoted; it gives quite a false impression. Listeners are apt to think that when a man is saved, old habits, evil thoughts, and lustful looks are forever done away, and everything becomes literally new in a person’s life. We know that this is not true. The verse does not describe a believer’s practice but rather his position. Notice it says that if anyone is in Christ. The words in Christ are the key to the passage. In Christ, old things have passed away and all things have become new. Unfortunately, “in me” not all this is true as yet! But, as I progress in the Christian life, I desire that my practice may increasingly correspond to my position. One day, when the Lord Jesus returns, the two will be in perfect agreement.

 

 Also note in verse 19 in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us

Reconcile means to Restore a person to friendly relations with oneself or another after an estrangement. The Apostle Paul uses the word four times. The Greek word is katallassó  In found Romans 5:11 (2 Cor 5:18  and (2 Cor 5:19 

The basic meanings of the word reconcile are “to remove enmity between two enemy parties” or “to change thoroughly or a gift note. The Christian needs a union with Christ

In verses 21 is key verse in this passage

He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

note in Him or In Christ once more a union with Christ in short we’re wearing His clothes instead our sinful clothes

Reformed Bible wrote, “5:21 An important summary of the gospel message. The verse explains how God imputed our sin to Christ. God as judge assigned the responsibility of our sin to Christ, making it possible for Him to be punished justly for that sin (Is. 53:6; 1 Pet. 2:24). The verse shows that Christ was our substitute, accepting the penalty of sin in our place. See “The Sinlessness of Jesus” at Heb. 4:15.we might become the righteousness of God. Not only did God impute our sin to Christ, He also imputed Christ’s perfect righteousness to us (that is, He counted it as belonging to us). This imputation is the basis for the progressive realization of God’s righteousness in our moral character. Our thoughts and deeds are sanctified in increasing measure until we receive perfect righteousness in heaven.

 Jesus did this for His Follower what is our responsibilities 

In verse 14 -15 it states 14 For Christ’s love compels us, since we have reached this conclusion: If One died for all, then all died. 15 And He died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the One

20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” 

Ambassadors means An appointed or official messenger or an ambassador with special duties not appointed to a particular country. The Greek word is presbeúō meaning; to act as an established statesman (diplomat) – a trusted, respected ambassador who is authorized to speak as God’s emissary (represent Christ kingdom.  John MacArthur wrote Elder older person who speaks on behalf a king Or follower of Christ representing Him with king of heave with the gospel. Pleading the lost world to be reconciled with God who is their righteous King meaning to repent of theirs sins. As scripture declares,   Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people! James 4;8

As scriptures declare  For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But, how can they call on Him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? ( And how can they hear without a preacher? ( 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those [who announces the gospel of good things Roman 10; 13 -1 2 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 6:20 In short we represent Christ and wears His clothes. 

Throughout the city of Hamilton, there is a great need for prayer warrior especially for those who reject the atoning work of Christ  and their reasons may vary, however, without Christ all God sees  their sins. Since God hates sin there is a heaviness put upon them, and they bear that heavy burden sin. As scripture declares, For day and night Your hand was heavy on me; my strength was drained as in the summer’s heat. Another factor they are spiritually blinded by the evil one himself. They also bear the curse of Adam sin, and they committed sins themselves as well. Bob Dutko stated mankind was hit with double whammy. As scripture declares For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 

In short,  mankind bears Adam curse known as sins and needs to wear Christ clothes and need to have union with Christ or to be in Christ. In short, due mankind sins we need to wear Christ clothes to gain access to God’s kingdom. As scriptures declare, “For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household.” Bottom line some are not wearing Christ clothes and need to wear His clothes to enter His Kingdom.

 

http://www.preceptaustin.org/reconciliation-katallage-greek-word-study 

 

http://biblehub.com/greek/4243.htm