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. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)
On this first day of the new year, we look at this passage on the new birth to remind us that our salvation is not in resolutions, it is not in 'turning over a new leaf', it is not in any of our efforts but in Christ. GOD Himself is the one doing the work, and without Him we can do nothing. He has reconciled lost sinners to Himself not by covering or ignoring their sIn, but by forgiveness and rebirth. The old is gone as we are dead to sIn when we are alive in Christ. This is a mystery, but necessary and vital to our understanding of who we are in Christ.
And we who are alive in Christ are called to act as His ambassadors reaching out to those that don't know Jesus; who don't have a faith relationship with GOD, inviting them into the Kingdom; for it is their only Hope, in this world and the next.
We are also called to forgive our brethren as we have been forgiven by GOD so that those that repent can be restored to fellowship with the family. That is also our ministry of reconciliation. Just as GOD has forgiven us, and begun a good work in us, so should we restore relationships to a Biblical standard and encourage one another in the faith.
If you are wondering about your relationship with GOD and with His family, seek Him today. He wants you to be in right relationship with Him through the forgiveness of sIn. Surrender today to Him on His terms and receive the free gift of salvation that He offers to you through the blood of Jesus Christ shed for you. Placing your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ will lead to a brand new life that will last forever, far longer than any resolution by man. Receive Him today.
In Christ,
Jefferson A. Sweet
And we who are alive in Christ are called to act as His ambassadors reaching out to those that don't know Jesus; who don't have a faith relationship with GOD, inviting them into the Kingdom; for it is their only Hope, in this world and the next.
We are also called to forgive our brethren as we have been forgiven by GOD so that those that repent can be restored to fellowship with the family. That is also our ministry of reconciliation. Just as GOD has forgiven us, and begun a good work in us, so should we restore relationships to a Biblical standard and encourage one another in the faith.
If you are wondering about your relationship with GOD and with His family, seek Him today. He wants you to be in right relationship with Him through the forgiveness of sIn. Surrender today to Him on His terms and receive the free gift of salvation that He offers to you through the blood of Jesus Christ shed for you. Placing your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ will lead to a brand new life that will last forever, far longer than any resolution by man. Receive Him today.
In Christ,
Jefferson A. Sweet
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