The Ministry of Reconciliation at Bible Related Ministries
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Fortunately, God is in the business of reconciliation! He still looks for stubborn, wandering, disjointed, foolish human beings, to restore them and bring them back into His presence. God wants all of us to share a part of His business of reconciliation (restoration).
In 2 Cor. 5:17-21, Paul, the apostle, uses the word “reconciliation.” Man was created to be indwelt by God. But instead, due to depravity and man’s continual state of rebellion, we are estranged, alienated from our creator, and many times from each other as well. This is the fundamental sickness of all humanity. We suffer as a result in our churches.
Therefore the very best news we could ever hear is the news of reconciliation. The glories of reconciliation are many. Let’s talk about three…
First, reconciliation originates with God. Vs. 17-18
He makes us new creations in Him (V. 17). This is the ultimate amnesty program. We can be a new creation in Him! God, who was the offended, initiates reconciliation. Repentance is so hard for us! The County jail (for example) is full of “innocent people.” Only God can break through to the stubborn, prideful flesh, which keeps us from being restored.
Second, reconciliation is personally delivered. Vs. 18-20
God personally went looking for Adam and Eve. Nathan went looking for King David. God sent His prophets, and ultimately in due time He sent His Son.
God is in charge, and all reconciling has its origin with Him. (V. 18) Colossians 1:20 further tells us: “And having made peace through the blood of the cross by him to reconcile all things unto Himself, all things I say whether they be things in heaven or in earth.”
But He gives us the ministry (or word) of reconciliation too. (V. 18, 19) In Galatians 6:1 there is a command to “restore” a man overtaken in sin. The same root Greek word is here translated “restore.” We then are Christ’s “ambassadors!” God is making his invitation through us (V. 20)! We at BRM offer our recommendations, invite people to respond, and warn them of the consequences if they do not. We are in this way God’s “ambassadors” acting on His behalf here on earth.
Third, reconciliation achieves the impossible. Vs. 21
It is certainly an impossible act for us. And we do experience some impossible situations out there! Stubbornness, self, flesh and pride are strong and stand in the way. But it is God who is doing the reconciling, and nothing is too hard for Him! Just think! The Righteous One was made to be sin on our behalf, that the righteousness of God might forever be ours (2 Cor. 5:21)!
What a ministry of reconciliation we at BRM are involved in!
- BRM is working with the pastors out there, bringing people into a right relationship with Christ, and training them to be his disciples.
- BRM is helping to reconcile problems in the local churches, bringing people who are disjointed back into a right relationship in the body. In a world of marriage break-ups and church splits, this ministry is an absolute necessity for our day.
- There are many faithful partners with us in this ministry! We feel the prayers of our people as we go out, not in our own strength or wisdom, but prayerfully and humbly in the wisdom of God, “mind of Christ,” and instruction of the Holy Spirit (James 1:5; 1 Corinthians 2:16b; John 14:26 and 16:13).