Friday, 21 August 2015

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21

From time to time, it is recommended by the commentator that a verse should be memorized and ready to be repeated at all times.… Read the rest

Thursday, 20 August 2015

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20

In the previous two verses, Paul has spoken of the “ministry of reconciliation” and the “word of reconciliation.” Now, he combines those thoughts into this verse.… Read the rest

Wednesday, 19 August 2015

…that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19

The words “that is” are used to further clarify what was just written concerning the “ministry of reconciliation.” This ministry involved a process which comes directly from the eternal and infinite mind of God.… Read the rest

Tuesday, 18 August 2015

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

Bible scholar Charles Ellicott notes: “The presence of the article in the Greek indicates that he is speaking, not of the universe at large, but of the new things belonging to the new creation of which he had spoken in the previous verse.”

In other words, this verse cannot be used for the doctrine of “universal salvation” as if God has reconciled to Himself “all things” in the absolute sense.… Read the rest

Monday, 17 August 2015

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore” builds upon the thought (which was also a “therefore”) from the previous verse. Paul continues to expand on the meaning of our new life in Christ.… Read the rest