Ancient Words For Today - 46
The righteousness of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, has provided the means of reconciliation and peace between men and God. When we believe in Jesus, our sins are forgiven and we become acceptable to God. Here is how Paul the apostle explained this marvelous truth:
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 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. 2Corinthians 5:17-21
As believers, we are a new creation of God and are called by God to be ambassadors for Christ. We have been given the ministry of reconciliation. That means we have the privilege of telling others about the gospel, the good news that God is offering a pardon for a person's sins through belief in Jesus Christ, so that they also can believe and be saved. Below are a few additional key passages about this subject:
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18-24
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:12-15
The other application for today's card scripture concerns our personal lifestyle as Christians. When we live our life the right way, in obedience to God's commandments, our conscience remains clear and there are no feelings of guilt, remorse or failure that might otherwise interfere with our intimate fellowship with God and accomplishing the work of God. But if we should fall into sin, we are instructed to immediately confess it to God and God will forgive us:
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:7-9
The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but He loveth him that followeth after righteousness. Proverbs 15:9
God bless you as you walk in His ways, and through your life and sharing the gospel, may He bring forth much fruit.