2 Corinthians 5:18
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled [1][2] us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; [3][4]
- ↑ To change, exchange, as coins for others of equivalent value, to reconcile (those who are at variance), return to favour with, be reconciled to one and to receive one into favour.
- ↑ The key term in this passage is “reconciliation.” The meaning of reconcile means “to reestablish a close relationship between; to settle or resolve”. The key to reconciliation is effectively dealing with the enmity, ill will, hatred, or hostility that has caused the dispute, etc. There are several approaches to reconciliation that may be applied. For instance, if we’ve offended someone by an unkind word that we’ve spoken, we can apologize. If we owe money to someone, we can pay the debt. If we’ve done something to someone, we can make the necessary restitution. However, in every case, reconciliation lies in dealing effectively with the root cause of the enmity. The enmity between man and God was sin. God took the initiative to remove this barrier through the means and agency of Jesus Christ, thus leaving man and God as friends once again.
- ↑ King James Version (KJV)
- ↑ Every change that has taken place in our spirits was God’s doing. We are His workmanship, created in Jesus Christ unto good works (Ephesians 2:10). There is no sin or corruption in the born-again (John 3:3) spirit.