Lesson 4841

 (Lesson 4841) (05-01-25) 2nd Corinthians 5:11-21 

   “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 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. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 

In today’s quote, Paul emphasized his commitment to persuading others about the gospel, driven by a reverent fear of the Lord and a desire to be transparent before both God and the Corinthians. He clarified that his actions were not self-serving but were motivated by the love of Christ, who died for all, prompting believers to live not for themselves but for Him. Paul explained that through Christ's death and resurrection, believers become new creations, leaving behind their old selves. God has reconciled us to Himself through Christ and has entrusted us with the ministry of reconciliation. This means that God does not count people's sins against them but offers them a restored relationship through Christ. As ambassadors for Christ, Paul urged others to be reconciled to God. He concluded by stating that God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might obtain the righteousness of God. ~