17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. – 2 Corinthians 5:17-18

DECLAMATION

This one word, reconciliation, is a central theme of the Bible. Sin entered the world through the disobedience of Adam and Eve and the perfect union man had with God was broken. From the beginning, it was God’s desire to have relationship with His people, His creation, you. This is why, instead of speaking humanity into existence as He did the rest of the world, He took His time with us, He formed us as a potter does with clay.

Throughout the Old Testament we see the brokenness of man with the cyclic disobedience of God’s people, most often through the worship of false idols. They suffered at the hands of many nations when

their eyes were not fixed on Him. On the flip side, we see the repeated desire of God’s heart to restore His people to a right relationship with Him. Peoples, kings, and nations flourished when God – YHWH – was their focus.

God has since come to this earth, manifesting himself in the flesh as the man Christ Jesus, for the purpose of reconciliation. Jesus paid the ultimate price, for He knew no sin, yet was nailed to a cross for our sin. Allowing all who believe to receive remission of sins through repentance and baptism in Jesus’ name, and making way for the receiving of His spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues.

Jesus was the atoning sacrifice which restored the relationship that was lost during the fall of man long ago in the Garden. Ultimately, we are reconciled to God through Christ’s redemptive work at Calvary.

At the end of verse 18, Paul states that we have been given the ministry of reconciliation. Jesus said to go to every nation teaching them to obey everything that He has commanded us. The teachings of

Jesus -> the Gospel -> the Good News, is just that, the ministry of reconciliation.

The book of Acts embodies this very ministry. Simply put, it is pointing people to a relationship with Christ. As Paul states, follow my example as I follow Christ’s example.

CHALLENGE/REFLECTION

Reconcile means to restore (or otherwise reinstate, return to a former condition, or repair) relations between. Your past does not define you in God’s eyes. It’s what you choose to do today and everyday hereafter. To live according to God’s purpose. Through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, you have been restored, made new. As much of the world is ushering in a new year, 2025, many will make commitments to things, people, and self. I challenge you today to commit yourself, your life to God. What an amazing thing! Be reconciled!

~Pastor Leone~

Matthew Leone is a Mechanical Engineer by trade. He was brought on to Cornerstone’s staff as the Administrative Pastor in 2023 and is and avid guitar player. Matthew and his wife, Jessica, have been married since 2007 and have two children.