O BE YE RECONCILED

2 Corinthians 5: 17 – 21

Introduction:

1. The word RECONCILE has two basic meanings, each to be determined by the context of the verse containing the word. The first is: exchange (figuratively adjustment), that is, restoration to (the divine) favor: - atonement, reconciliation (-ing). The second is: to drive together, that is, (figuratively) exhort (to reconciliation): - + set at one again.

2. Both carry the understanding of something DIVIDED/SEPARATED FROM that with which it should have remained! Therefore, reconciliation has to do with “making whole; placing at one (unity) again.” This concept the Scriptures identify as ATONEMENT. Notice:

a. Romans 5:11 (read entire chapter)

3. For mankind, no greater gift exists than that of RECONCILIATION. However, though a “free gift” (Rom. 5:16), it is a gift we must accept via the conditions set by our Lord!

4. Think not this “free gift” is toward the alien sinner alone: it is also given for the Christian who strays from the Shepherd and Bishop of his soul! It is vital that ALL mankind accept this blood sacrifice of Christ Jesus in order to have their sins forgiven and the promise of eternal LIFE with Him.

I. BOTH JEW AND GENTILE ARE AMENABLE TO THIS RECONCILIATION

A. Ephesians 2: 11 – 22

B. Colossians 1: 18 – 29

II. EXAMPLES OF MAN BEING RECONCILED TO MAN

A. Matthew 5:21 – 26

B. 1 Corinthians 7: 7 – 11

III. THE PRICE OF RECONCILIATION

A. Romans 5: 6 – 10

1. Christ died for the UNGODLY (Rom. 3:27)

2. No one died for Him – who could?

3. It was God’s love for us that Christ exemplified – John 3:16

4. Justified by blood (the blood of Christ) we are saved from the wrath of God!

5. We were RECONCILED TO GOD (brought back, made whole, placed at one again) by the DEATH OF CHRIST; MUCH MORE we are saved by His LIFE! – Jo0hn 10:10

B. THIS IS ATONEMENT – Romans 5:11 -- And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

IV. IT REQUIRES OUR OBEDIENCE TO THE GOSPEL

A. “But if it is “free” why do we have to do something?

1. “Free” means, “without cost to us.” It does NOT mean, “without obligation”.

2. Use the example of a dollar given to whoever comes for it.

3. Mark 16:16

B. 2 Corinthians 5:17 -- Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

1. Galatians 3:27

2. Romans 6: 1- 6

C. So must the CHRISTIAN remain in Him!

1. Colossians 1:21 – 23 -- And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister

2. Revelation 14:13

V. THE CONTINUED WORK OF THE FAITHFUL IS TO PLEAD FOR ALL TO BE RECONCILED TO GOD

A. 2 Corinthians 5:20 – 21 -- Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

B. Matthew 28: 19 - 20