NPC MediaPerfectly Reconciled in Christ
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new. But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation; namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having committed to us the word of reconciliation. We are therefore ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
The Apostle Paul brings us a powerful truth: "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new." This is not just a small change; it’s a complete spiritual overhaul. When we trust in Jesus, God doesn't just patch us up; He makes us entirely new. The way we used to live, the burden of our sins – those old things are gone. We now stand in a fresh, new relationship with God.
This incredible transformation, Paul explains, is entirely "of God, who reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ." Reconciliation means bringing two parties who were separated back into harmony. We were separated from God by our sins, but God Himself, through Jesus, initiated and completed the work to bring us back. He did this by "not reckoning to them their trespasses." Think about that: God no longer counts our sins against us because Jesus paid the full price. This is a perfect reconciliation, fully accomplished by Him.
And how did this perfect reconciliation happen? Paul reveals the profound mystery: "For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." Jesus, who was without sin, took our sin upon Himself on the cross. In return, He gave us His perfect righteousness. We don't earn this righteousness through our good deeds, our fasting, or any special prayers or rituals. It’s a divine exchange, a gift received by faith in what Jesus has already done for us.
If we have truly become the righteousness of God in Christ, what more could we possibly need to do to gain God’s favour or change our situation? Sometimes we are tempted to believe that we must perform certain acts – like prolonged fasting for a specific outcome, buying blessed items for miracles, or sowing financial 'seeds' to manipulate God – as if Jesus' sacrifice wasn't enough. These actions, however well-intentioned, often suggest that we need to add to God's complete work. But God has already done everything necessary to make us perfectly right with Him. Our response should be to live in gratitude and trust, knowing that in Christ, we are already fully accepted and blessed, not striving to earn what has already been freely given.
Let's Pray
Almighty God, we thank You for the incredible gift of new life in Christ. We are so grateful that You have reconciled us perfectly to Yourself through Jesus' sacrifice, not counting our trespasses against us. Thank You for making us Your righteousness in Him. Help us, Lord, to live in the fullness of this truth, trusting completely in Your finished work on the cross. Deliver us from any temptation to add to what Christ has already accomplished or to seek Your favour through our own efforts. May our lives be a testament to Your grace alone. Amen.
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