2 Corinthians 5:16-21 is about the transformation brought by Christ’s sacrifice, where believers are made new creations reconciled to God through Christ, and are called to be ambassadors of this message of reconciliation to the world.
16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer.
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Setting the Scene for 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
In 2 Corinthians chapter 5, the scene unfolds in a bustling marketplace in the ancient city of Corinth. The apostle Paul, a prominent figure in the early Christian church, is surrounded by a diverse group of people from different backgrounds and cultures. Among them are new converts to Christianity, curious onlookers, and skeptics who have come to hear Paul speak about the message of reconciliation.
Paul, with his commanding presence and unwavering faith, passionately shares the teachings of Christ with those gathered around him. He speaks of the transformative power of God’s love and the need for believers to be ambassadors of reconciliation in a world filled with division and strife. As he preaches, his words resonate deeply with his audience, stirring their hearts and minds.
The marketplace is alive with the sounds of merchants hawking their wares, the smell of exotic spices wafting through the air, and the vibrant colors of fabrics and pottery on display. Against this backdrop of everyday life, Paul’s message of hope and redemption shines brightly, drawing people from all walks of life to consider the profound implications of living a life guided by faith and love.
What is 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 about?
Believers receive a new identity as a result of Christ’s sacrifice, which reminds us of the transformative power of Christ. We, as Christians, define ourselves not by our past mistakes or shortcomings, but by our reconciliation to God through Jesus Christ. This reconciliation brings about a spiritual rebirth, making us new creations in Christ. This new identity not only changes how we see ourselves but also how we interact with the world around us.
Furthermore, this verse emphasizes the calling that all believers have to share this message of reconciliation with others. We are now called to be ambassadors of this message of hope and restoration to those around us, as we have been reconciled to God through Christ. This calling is not just for pastors or missionaries but is for every believer, as we are all part of God’s mission to bring healing and reconciliation to a broken world. Let us reflect on the depth of Christ’s sacrifice for us and consider how we can actively share this message of reconciliation with those we encounter in our daily lives as we meditate on this verse.
Understanding what 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 really means
In 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Paul delves into the profound themes of reconciliation, new creation, and the role of believers as ambassadors for Christ. He urges believers to shift their perspective, no longer judging others by worldly standards but through the lens of Christ’s love. This shift in mindset aligns with Galatians 3:28, emphasizing unity in Christ beyond social and ethnic divisions.
When Paul declares that those in Christ are a new creation, he speaks of a radical transformation that occurs when one accepts Christ. This transformation is akin to Romans 6:4, where believers are called to walk in the newness of life, leaving behind their old selves and embracing a renewed identity in Christ.
The concept of reconciliation is central to Paul’s message, highlighting God’s initiative in restoring the broken relationship between humanity and Himself through Christ. This divine act of reconciliation, as seen in Colossians 1:20, underscores God’s grace and love in forgiving our sins and bringing us back into communion with Him.
God’s forgiveness plays a pivotal role in reconciliation, as emphasized in verse 19. Through Christ, God reconciles the world to Himself, not counting our trespasses against us. This echoes the sentiment in Psalm 103:12, where God removes our sins as far as the east is from the west, showcasing His boundless mercy.
Believers are called to be ambassadors for Christ, representing Him and sharing the message of reconciliation with the world. This echoes the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commissions His followers to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations.
The pinnacle of the Gospel is encapsulated in verse 21, where Christ, who knew no sin, took on our sins so that we could be made righteous before God. This act of substitutionary atonement is foretold in Isaiah 53:5, underscoring the sacrificial love of Christ for humanity.
Today, this passage holds relevance in a world where identity is often tied to external factors. It offers a profound sense of worth and purpose rooted in being a new creation in Christ, encourages reconciliation and forgiveness in times of division, and calls believers to actively share their faith as ambassadors for Christ in their daily lives.
Imagine someone burdened by past mistakes encountering this passage and realizing their identity as a new creation in Christ. This transformation empowers them to live a life of purpose, hope, and redemption, becoming a beacon of Christ’s love and grace to those around them.
In grasping the depth of being a new creation, the significance of reconciliation, and the responsibility of being ambassadors for Christ, readers can find hope, purpose, and a renewed sense of identity in their journey with Christ.
How can we reconcile with God and become new?
We can reconcile with God and become new by acknowledging our sins and seeking forgiveness through Jesus Christ. This passage teaches us that in Christ, we are made new creations. Our old self is crucified with Him, and we are given a fresh start, free from the burden of our past sins. Through Christ, we can be reconciled to God and have a restored relationship with Him.
To become new in Christ, we must repent of our sins and turn away from them. It is through the sacrifice of Jesus that we are able to be made righteous in God’s eyes. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing the message of reconciliation with others and living a life that reflects the love and grace we have received. We can experience a true renewal of our hearts and minds by accepting Christ as our Savior and allowing His love to transform us.
Application
Life is busy, filled with work deadlines and family commitments, but have you taken a moment to let Christ’s reconciliation reshape your life? Picture it as rebooting your system, clearing out the clutter and refreshing your purpose. You are called to be Christ’s ambassador, sharing His love and message in the office, at home, and every place in between. Will you take up this mission, letting His grace flow through your daily actions?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.