2 Corinthians 5:19 that is, God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
Paul restates his ideas from v. 18 again here, emphasizing his key theological point. This point is so central and crucial to his message that he must make sure the Corinthians understand it. It is helpful to look at each phrase carefully.
First, “God was in Christ.” This is the heart of the gospel. God’s plan for humanity is seen most fully through the revelation of Christ. We experience God’s plan for us individually and corporately as we put our faith in Christ experience most fully through entire sanctification. It is only in this relationship that we know who we are and who we are meant to be. This simple statement incorporates all of time and existence. Ephesians 1:3-14 expands and explains this idea.
Second, God took the initiative and did the reconciling. We are lost and helpless in our sinful condition. People try to find God through various religions, meditations, acts of piety, self-sacrifice, but they only end up with emptiness or in deceiving themselves. Paul experienced this as a Jews in trying to be righteous by obeying the law. Several of his letters, particularly Romans and Galatians, deal with this issue. This was all meaningless to him (Philippians 3:8). Because we are spiritually dead in our trespasses and sin (Ephesians 2:1-2), God has to take the first step for us. This is labeled as prevenient grace, the grace that goes before us that enables us to have a choice in the first place.
Third, the object of reconciliation is the world. No one is left out. God so loved the whole world that he gave his Son (John 3:16). The doctrine of individual election or damnation fails with passages like this. God’s love is too big and is unconditional. The offer of salvation goes to everyone, the “whosoever” of Scripture.
Fourth, reconciliation is clearly defined here as not counting their trespasses against people. The Bible clearly states in many places that we are accountable for our actions. God does not reconcile us without our repentance and faith in Christ. God offers the gift but we must accept it. Reconciliation does not happen until we believe in the gift and accept it in faith. We will show this by turning from our sins with the help of the Holy Spirit. The term “reconciliation” incorporates the whole salvation process but happens in the moment of faith. It is lived out daily as we grow in this restored relationship with our Creator.
Finally, our response to God’s reconciling grace is to share this experience with others as messengers. As Paul writes in Romans 10:14, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And can they hear without someone preaching?” God has placed this opportunity, privilege, and obligation into our hands. We are God’s representatives. Everywhere we go, we are God’s temples bringing his presence and love to the people around us.
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