2 Corinthians 5:18

Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:18

This passage begins with the conjunction “Now” and it serves as a marker in time that indicates a major event in our lives, the event being becoming a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), the moment when we were born again. “Now” our perspective on life changes and “all things are of God.” “Now” we are to see things from a spiritual perspective (2 Corinthians 5:7, 16). “Now” we have been given a ministry of reconciliation. The ministry of reconciliation is not something we do but something that God has accomplished. It is not telling people to make peace with God, but telling them that God has made peace with the world through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19).

When the angels in Luke 2 announced the birth of Christ to the shepherds in the field they said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Notice the direction that the peace flows: from God toward men. The work of reconciliation is God’s and God’s alone, and was accomplished by His work through Christ. Our ministry is now to share the good news of this reconciliation and that our sin is not counted against us. Who better to share the ministry of reconciliation than those who themselves have been reconciled through Christ! “>

Jeff Mericle