Paul continue to breathe confidence in the Corinthians, now made new through faith in Jesus Christ and the grace of God. The apostle reminds all believers the day of judgment is coming.
In this section of his second letter to the church in Corinth, Paul warns believers of God’s wrath, that we should strive for inward holiness rather than outward.
“9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:9-10)
Paul reveals the ultimate goals for Christians, to glorify and please God, the creator of the universe and our own maker. Either “present” in our earthly, terrestrial body or “absent” from it thereby now present in our celestial body, the apostle warns us of the day when all men and women face judgment before the Lord.
“11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.” (2 Corinthians 5:11)
Calling on each believer’s confidence in him, Paul points out the fact God will judge us not only for our good deeds, performed in His name, but He will also expose our failures, our mortal sin. The fear of such a humbling scene was used by Paul as fuel to lead lost sheep back home.
“12 For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart.” (2 Corinthians 5:12)
During his ministry Paul and his fellow missionaries often found themselves under attack by false teachers. For the truth to overcome deception, the apostle calls on believers to take a stand against hypocrites and proclaim the name of Jesus Christ as Lord and savior of all men.
“13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you.” (2 Corinthians 5:13)
Explaining the extreme difference in his behavior, Paul describes his vision and trances as moments spent for God’s glory “beside himself,” in contrast with a calm, composed teacher meant to be easily understood by men.
“14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. 16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer.” (2 Corinthians 5:14-16)
It is the love of Christ that fueled Paul’s mission. And it is Christ’s love that saved us. Through Him and His sacrifice, those who believe, repent and serve God with reverence will inherit eternal life. Paul outlines the basis of Christianity, that whoever is born again of faith in Jesus Christ and God’s grace must no longer live for themselves but surrender to Christ and offer ourselves as living sacrifices.
“17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Believers are made new through crucifixion with Jesus on the cross, death, burial and the resurrection. The new spiritual person will now walk in Christ’s footsteps, earning crowns and outpouring of blessings as the new man glorifies God with his life.
“18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
Paul declares all believers free from sin based on the reconciliation made possible only by God’s grace. Through faith in Jesus, our sins are forgiven. The old self has died, the new person is alive in Christ.
“20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:20-21)
Now ambassadors for the gospel and the truth, Paul calls on all believers to be reconciled to Christ as we walk the narrow path that leads to eternal life in heaven with our divine father. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
