Scripture

For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them.

Observation

God knows that Paul is sincere in what he does. He is not commending himself, but giving them a reason to answer those who brag about spectacular ministry but lack a clean heart.

We believe that Christ died for all, so we have died to our old life. Christ died so that those who receive His new life no longer live for themselves but for Christ.

Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The old life has gone, the new has come. This is a gift from God who was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself. He gives us this wonderful message of reconciliation.

Application

The gift of salvation is available to everyone who will receive it. God is reconciling the world to Himself.

God’s grace is so huge that, even though He knew who would receive him and who would not, the offer of salvation is made to everyone. Many choose to exclude themselves, but that is there choice not God’s rejection.

He no longer counts our sins against us, as long as we are “in Christ.” If we accept fellowship with Christ, our sins are forgiven and our guilt is removed. But if we are not “in Christ”, then our guilt remains.

God has declared an amnesty on sin to all who will receive it. You have to be in the program, so to speak, but your sin will be removed, your record purged.

Best of all is that this is not merely a legal reckoning. God brings us back into friendship with him.

We were once far away from God, separated by a wall called sin. Now we are invited into the throne room to dine with the King.

Prayer

Hallelujah! What an awesome saviour you are! Bless the Lord! Amen.