Footsteps #171

If 2Cor5:21 is monumental, then its context is significant. Vs11-21 is a mighty passage on the new creation and reconciliation (this is Paul’s OT Day of Atonement theology.) It began in v10 with the judgment of believers.

Christian theology has some great words: forgiveness, salvation, redemption, justification, sanctification, glorification – one of the greatest is atonement or reconciliation. The dictionary defines it as, “the re-establishing of cordial relations between enemies.”

 I suspect almost no one would question the need for reconciliation today, because there is so much animosity in the world; domestically, politically, racially, religiously, even socially via media etc.  What a shame when people waste their lives in anger and bitterness toward one another! We long for reconciliation but enemies just seem to multiply. But believe it or not, the need for reconciliation among people is minor compared to the need for reconciliation between people and God. In fact, true reconciliation among people is probably impossible without first experiencing reconciliation with God. Notice the use of the term in vs18-21. The need for reconciliation infers that people are alienated from God. If there were no enmity between God and man, there would be no need for reconciliation between them. However, the average person would consider himself friendly toward God, or at the worst, apathetic. Even atheists would not consider themselves God’s enemies; after all, how can you be an enemy of someone you don’t even believe exists! But the fact is, the Bible clearly states that unbelievers are enemies of God–not even neutral but actively opposing Him; either for me or against me Jesus said. I’m not just talking about wicked people–terrorists, child abusers, and abortionists–I’m talking about entrepreneurs, housewives, corporate managers, teachers, engineers, students, members of the Rotary Club. James.4:4 says that “Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” Rom.5:10 speaks specifically to believers and claims that at one time we, including Paul himself, “were God’s enemies.” Thankfully, however, nothing is more clear in the Scripture than that God has devoted Himself to reconciling with His enemies, and He considers no price too high to pay.