2 Coríntios 5
G. Campbell Morgan · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Coríntios 5
Morgan - If Our Earthly Tent … Thomas Jonathan Jackson overcame many hardships in life. Orphaned at an early age, he worked hard and snatched up whatever schooling he could find. Through Herculean effort, he secured an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy and finished high in his class. While serving with U.S. forces in Central America, he began studying Christianity, gave himself to Christ, and was baptized at age 25. In 1857, Major Jackson married Mary Anna Morrison, and immediately the young couple started tithing and having family devotions. Jackson used his lunch hour every day for intense Bible study. The couple joined a Presbyterian Church where Jackson started a Negro Sunday school class. “My Heavenly Father has condescended to use me as an instrument in getting up a large Sabbath school for the Negroes,” he wrote. “He has greatly blessed it.” When Virginia seceded from the Union, Jackson sided with his fellow Southerners; and on Sunday, April 21, 1861, he and his cadets were ordered into the Confederate Army. Just past noon, Jackson knelt with his wife in their bedroom for prayer. They opened the Bible and Jackson read aloud these words of assurance: “For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. …” Finishing the passage, he rose and left, never to return. Jackson maintained his devotional life in the field, and his men soon learned that when they saw him stumbling over stumps and rocks, he wasn’t drunk. He was just praying with his eyes closed as he walked. Jackson rode among the troops distributing tracts and often took part in the revivals that spread through the Rebel army. In May 1863, General “Stonewall” Jackson went out at nightfall to scout and was shot by mistake by his own men. “I always wanted to die on a Sunday,” he said, and he did just that. His earthly tent had been dissolved. (From This Verse) With God All The Time If our earthly house . . . is destroyed, we have a building from God, . . . eternal in the heavens. —2 Corinthians 5:1 Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 It was the summer between Melissa’s sophomore and junior years of high school. She and her friend Mandy were in Spain on a trip with their Spanish class, and they stayed up one night in their hotel room for a serious discussion. They had just seen a report on the BBC about some teens who had died in an accident, and they started talking about death. Melissa told Mandy that she could not figure out why Christians were afraid to die. After all, she told her, when a Christian dies, he or she gets to be “with God all the time.” What could be better than that? Melissa wondered. How do I know about this conversation? Mandy shared this story with me and my wife shortly after we lost our precious 17-year-old daughter in a car accident in 2002. We have been comforted by this story, because it reminds us that Melissa knew she was saved, and she was confident that she would spend eternity with her Savior. We just never expected that she would be “with God all the time” so suddenly and so early in her life. Do you have the assurance that Melissa had, that if you were to die you would be in God’s presence forever? (2 Corinthians 5:6-8). Make sure of your salvation today. Then you won’t need to be afraid to die. By: Dave Branon MAKING SURE Admit that you are a sinner (Romans 3:23; 7:23). Believe in Jesus for forgiveness (John 1:12; 3:16). Confess that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9). If you make room for Jesus in your heart, He will make room for you in heaven. THE owner of the tenement which I have occupied for many years has given notice that he will furnish but little or nothing more for repairs. I am advised to be ready to move. At first this was not a very welcome notice. The surroundings here are in many respects very pleasant, and were it not for the evidence of decay, I should consider the house good enough. But even a light wind causes it to tremble and totter, and all the braces are not sufficient to make it secure. So I am getting ready to move. It is strange how quickly one’s interest is transferred to the prospective home. I have been consulting maps of the new country and reading descriptions of its inhabitants. One who visited it has returned, and from him I learn that it is beautiful beyond description; language breaks down in attempting to tell of what he heard while there. He says that, in order to make an investment there, he has suffered the loss of all things that he owned here, and even rejoices in what others would call making a sacrifice. Another, whose love to me has been proven by the greatest possible test, is now there. He has sent me several clusters of the most delicious fruits. After tasting them, all food here seems insipid. Two or three times I have been down by the border of the river that forms the boundary, and have wished myself among the company of those who were singing praises to the King on the other side. Many of my friends have moved there. Before leaving they spoke of my coming later. I have seen the smile upon their faces as they passed out of sight. Often I am asked to make some new investments here, but my answer in every case is, “I am getting ready to move.”—Selected. Heaven in the Real World Steven Curtis Chapman I saw it again today in the face of a little child Looking through the eyes of fear and uncertainty It echoed in a cry for freedom across the street and across the miles Cries from the heart to find the missing part Where is the hope, where is the peace? That will make this life complete For every man, woman, boy, and girl Looking for heaven in the real world To stand in the pouring rain and believe the sun is gonna shine again To know that the grave is not the end To feel the embrace of grace and cross the line where real life begins And know in your heart you've found the missing part And there is a hope, and there is a peace That will make this life complete For every man, woman, boy, and girl Looking for heaven in the real world Looking for heaven in the real world It happened one night with a tiny baby's birth God heard creation crying and He sent heaven to earth He is the hope, and the peace That will make this life complete For every man, woman, boy and girl Jesus is the hope, and the peace That will make this life complete For every man, woman, boy and girl Jesus is heaven in the real world Jesus is heaven in the real world Yes he is Jesus is heaven He is heaven in the real world Almost Home Play Mercy Me Are you disappointed? Are you desperate for help? You know what it's like to be tired And only a shell of yourself Well, you start to believe You don't have what it takes 'Cause it's all you can do Just to move, much less finish the race But don't forget what lies ahead Almost home Brother, it won't be long Soon all your burdens will be gone With all your strength Sister, run wild, run free Hold up your head, keep pressing on We are almost home Well, this road will be hard But we win in the end Simply because of Jesus in us It's not if, but when So take joy in the journey Even when it feels long Oh, find strength in each step Knowing Heaven is cheering you on We are almost home Brother, it won't be long Soon all your burdens will be gone With all your strength Sister, run wild, run free Hold up your head, keep pressing on We are almost home Almost home Almost home I know that the cross has brought Heaven to us Make no mistake, there's still more to come When our flesh and our bone are no longer between Where we are right now and where we're meant to be When all that's been lost is made whole again When these tears and this pain no longer exist No more walking, we're running as fast as we can Consider this our second wind Almost home Brother, it won't be long Soon all your burdens will be gone With all your strength Sister, run wild, run free Hold up your head, keep pressing on We are almost home Almost home Almost home We are almost home Almost home Almost home We are almost home 2 Corinthians 5:2 For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, What is more, being housed in this tent we constantly sigh with longing because we yearn to put on over it, as someone would don an overgarment, our dwelling that is supplied from heaven. (Murray Harris' expanded paraphrase). For indeed in this house we groan: 2Co 5:4 Ro 7:24 Ro 8:23 1Pe 1:6,7 longing : Php 1:23 to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven : 2Co 5:3,4 1Co 15:53,54 2 Corinthians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Corinthians 5:4 For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. Romans 7:24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Romans 8:18-24+ (BELIEVERS ARE GROANING AS THEY AWAIT ADOPTION, THE REDEMPTION OF THEIR BODIES, EVEN AS BELIEVERS IN 2Co 5:2 ARE GROANING FOR THEIR NEW BODIES) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. 20For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans (sustenazo) and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan (stenazo in present tense = continually) within ourselves, waiting eagerly (apekdechomai from in the present tense = our habitual attitude is waiting with great anticipation) for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. 24For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? Php 1:21-24+ For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. FOR IN DEPTH COMMENT ON THIS VERSE CLICK 2 Corinthians 5:2 GROANING FOR GLORY Paul mixes metaphors of a house by picturing putting it on like clothing. This context would also support the interpretation of the phrase "we have a building from God, a house not made with hands" in verse 1 as indicative of our bodies not our eternal abode as some commentaries suggest. For (1063)(gar) is a term of explanation which here gives the reason for his groaning now is his anticipation of the glory to follow, not so much a reflection of present afflictions or trials. This groaning is for our future grace (1Pe 1:13+) and glory (Ro 8:23+ where redemption of our body = glorification)
2 Coríntios 5
Morgan - A Transformed Man Pictures of Mel Trotter (1870–1940) show a distinguished gentleman with serious face, slight smile, silver hair, wire glasses around perceptive eyes. His favorite verse was 2 Corinthians 5:17, and for good reason. Trotter’s father, a bartender, taught Mel the trade at an early age. Despite the earnest prayers of his mother, Mel followed his dad headlong into runaway drinking, smoking, and gambling. When he married, his habits reduced his family to poverty. Mel sold the family possessions from under his wife’s nose to replenish his drinking money, then he resorted to robbery to satisfy the craving for more booze. One day Trotter staggered home to find his young son dead in his mother’s arms. Over the boy’s casket, Mel promised to never touch another drop of liquor as long as he lived, a resolve that barely lasted through the funeral. Shortly afterward, Mel, age 27, hopped on a freight car for Chicago. It was a bitterly cold January night, but he sold his shoes for some drinking money. After being evicted from a bar on Clark Street, he headed toward Lake Michigan to commit suicide. Somehow he ended up at the Pacific Garden Mission so drunk the doorman had to prop him against a wall so he wouldn’t fall off his chair. Despite his inebriation, at the close of the service, Trotter raised his hand for prayer and trusted Christ as his Savior. The change was instant and remarkable. Mel Trotter became a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 became his testimony verse, and he began sharing it everywhere. His wife came to Chicago to join him, and in time Mel Trotter became one of the most sought-after preachers, speakers, soul-winners, and rescue workers in America. “The greatest day I ever lived was the 19th of January, 1897,” he once said, “when the Lord Jesus came into my life and saved me from sin. That transaction revolutionized my entire life. Don’t call me a reformed drunkard. I am a transformed man, a child of God.” (From this Verse) QUESTION - What does it mean to be in Christ? ANSWER - Galatians 3:26-28 gives us insight into the phrase “in Christ” and what it means. "In Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Paul is speaking to the Christians in Galatia, reminding them of their new identity since they placed their faith in Jesus Christ. To be "baptized into Christ" means that they were identified with Christ, having left their old sinful lives and fully embracing the new life in Christ (Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23). When we respond to the Holy Spirit’s drawing, He "baptizes" us into the family of God. First Corinthians 12:13 says, "For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink." everal places in Scripture refer to the believer’s being "in Christ" (1 Peter 5:14; Philippians 1:1; Romans 8:1). Colossians 3:3 says, "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." God is perfect justice. He cannot simply overlook or excuse our sin; that would not be just. Sin had to be paid for. All the wrath God holds toward evil was poured out on His own Son. When Jesus took our place on the cross, He suffered the punishment our sin deserves. His last words before He died were, "It is finished" (John 19:30). What was finished? Not merely His earthly life. As He proved three days later, that was not finished (Matthew 28:7; Mark 16:6; 1 Corinthians 15:6). What He finished on the cross was God’s plan to redeem His fallen world. When Jesus said, "It is finished," He was stating that He had successfully paid in full for every act of rebellion, past, present, and future. To be "in Christ" means we have accepted His sacrifice as payment for our own sin. Our rap sheets contain every sinful thought, attitude or action we have ever committed. No amount of self-cleansing can make us pure enough to warrant forgiveness and a relationship with a holy God (Romans 3:10-12). The Bible says that in our natural sinful state we are enemies of God (Romans 5:10). When we accept His sacrifice on our behalf, He switches accounts with us. He exchanges our list of sins for His perfect account that is totally pleasing to God (2 Corinthians 5:21). A Divine Exchange takes place at the foot of the cross: our old sin nature for His perfect one (2 Corinthians 5:17). To enter the presence of a holy God, we must be hidden in the righteousness of Christ. To be "in Christ" means that God no longer sees our imperfections; He sees the righteousness of His own Son (Ephesians 2:13; Hebrews 8:12). Only "in Christ" is our sin debt cancelled, our relationship with God restored, and our eternity secured (John 3:16-18, 20:31).Gotquestions.org See also - in Christ RELATED RESOURCES ON IN HIM or IN CHRIST: The Holy Spirit-Walking Like Jesus Walked! How does God see me in Christ? How should we live our lives in light of our identity in Christ? Covenant: The Oneness of Covenant Covenant: Oneness Notes The Believer's Position in Christ - Iain Gordon Oneness With Christ - Ruth Paxson - chapter from Called Unto Holiness Rivers of Living Water - Studies on believer's possessions in Christ by Ruth Paxson The Mystical Union with Immanuel - Abraham Kuyper (index to Work of the Holy Spirit) Vital Union with Christ - A T Pierson What Does God Think of Me Now? - 33 page booklet on believer's position in Christ Union with Christ - Charles Simeon 2 Corinthians 5:18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, all: Jn 3:16,27 Ro 11:36 1Co 1:30 8:6 12:6 Col 1:16,17 Jas 1:17 who: Lev 6:30 Eze 45:15 Da 9:24 Ro 5:1,10,11 Eph 2:16 Col 1:20,21 Heb 2:17 1Jn 2:2 4:10 Gave us: 2Co 5:19,20 Isa 52:7 57:19 Mk 16:15,16 Lk 10:5 24:47 Ac 10:36 13:38 Ac 13:39 Eph 2:17 Col 1:20 2 Corinthians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Genesis 3:7-9 (SIN CAUSED THE BROKEN COMMUNION BETWEEN GOD AND MAN) Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings. 8 They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 Then the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” (Play "Adam Where Are You?") Isaiah 59:2 (NEED FOR RECONCILIATION) But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear. Hebrews 2:17 Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. Romans 5:10-11+ (THROUGH CHRIST) For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom we have now received the reconciliation. Cranfield comments on Paul's change from justification to reconciliation: Justification is a judicial term used in the law courts. A judge may acquit an accused person without ever entering into any personal relationship with the him or her. He just announces the verdict, not guilty. The accused hardly expects to be invited over for dinner by the judge, and probably hopes that he will never see him again. (ED: In reconciliation it is in fact as if the Judge enters into a personal relationship with the justified sinner, who is now, as it were, "invited over to dinner!") Colossians 1:20+ (SINNERS WERE AT WAR WITH GOD) For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him (CHRIST), 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. FOR IN DEPTH COMMENT ON THIS VERSE CLICK 2 Corinthians 5:18 CHANGED FROM GOD'S ENEMIES TO GOD'S FRIENDS Now all these things are from God - What things? Clearly Paul is pointing back to the supernatural work of God including the believer's death and resurrection in Christ and especially the the new creation of sinners into new creatures in Christ. Some commentators restrict the "things" to the new creation of the preceding verse, but others (Bengel, et al) take this as an allusion that goes back to 2Cor 5:14. From God indicates God is the Source, the Agent, the Initiator of reconciliation. The supernatural transformation just described (2Co 5:17) is from God (cf Paul's great doxology Ro 11:33, 34, 35, 36+, cp 1Cor 8:6). God is the "driving force" behind the redemption and reconciliation of all mankind. He acts "unilaterally."
2 Coríntios 5
Morgan - What urgency breathes through these words! The subject is that of the reconciliation made possible between man and God, because "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." That word of reconciliation is committed to those called to serve Christ. They are ambassadors on behalf of Christ. Therefore the urgency. They must deliver their message in a way worthy of the One Who sends them: "As though God were entreating by us; we beseech." That was Paul's concept of the way to preach Christ; and it is manifest in all the records we have of his journeys, his spoken messages, as well as in his letters. The marvel and the glory of the Divine provision, and the terror and peril of human need, were such as to make anything in the nature of indifference to results or coolness in presentation impossible. Every call was a beseeching. Moreover he dared to say that in this attitude he was representing God; and every soul who knows anything of the real meaning of the Cross, knows that this is a true word. God does not treat human salvation as a matter about which He can be indifferent or careless. The Cross is His passion, His earnestness; may we not dare to say, that by which He entreats men to be reconciled. In face of that, what can be worse than to declare His message as though it were not a message vital, tremendous, demanding all passion and power in its delivery? All this makes us think! And perhaps the thinking is better done alone! (Life Applications from Every Chapter of the Bible) Looking For Loopholes - Comedian W. C. Fields (1880-1946) could make audiences roar with laughter, yet he himself was chronically unhappy. Religion apparently played no part in his life. But it’s been said that as he faced the possibility of dying, he started to devote time to reading the Bible. When he was asked about his new interest in Scripture, Fields, always the comedian, replied, “I’m looking for loopholes, my friend. Looking for loopholes.” Fields may not have known Hebrews 9:27, “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,” yet he realized that he might soon be standing before God. And he may have been wondering what he would say if asked by the Lord why he should not be judged for his sins. We will all stand before God someday, so it’s imperative that we prepare to meet Him. But how? The only preparation we need to make is to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior from sin. He died to take the punishment we deserve (2Corinthians 5:21; 1Peter 3:18). When we admit that we are sinners (Romans 3:23) and ask Him to forgive and save us (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:13), we are brought into a right relationship with God (2Corinthians 5:18, 19). Are you prepared? There are no loopholes. —Vernon Grounds How can you go another day? Respond to Christ, do not delay; Just trust in Him, His Word believe— Eternal life you will receive. —Branon Don't plan to repent at the 11th hour —you may die at 10:30. AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST - Late one night a salesman drove into a strange city and tried to get a room in a hotel. The clerk informed him that there was no vacancy. Disappointed, he started to leave the lobby when a dignified gentleman offered to share his room with him. Gratefully the traveler accepted his kindness. Just before retiring, the man who had shown such hospitality, knelt and prayed aloud. In his petition he referred to the stranger by name and asked the Lord to bless him. Upon awakening the next morning, he told his guest it was his habit to read the Bible and commune with God at the beginning of each day, and he asked if he would like to join him. The Holy Spirit had been speaking to the heart of this salesman, and when his host tactfully confronted him with the claims of Christ, he gladly received the Savior. As the two were ready to part, they exchanged business cards. The new believer was amazed to read, “William Jennings Bryan, Secretary of State.” You see William Jennings Bryan was not only the Secretary of State under Woodrow Wilson, but more importantly he was an ambassador for Christ. Once you are saved you are transformed into a “new creature” and are given a new mission. You become Christ’s “ambassador.” - from P. R. Van Gorder: J. Dwight Pentecost states in his book, Designed to Be Like Him, “There can be no higher goal. There can be no higher ambition. There can be no higher purpose than that which the Word of God puts before us as the chief end of the child of God, to glorify God. The greatest goal in the believer’s life is not his own enjoyment of his salvation. His highest goal is not learning the truths of Scripture, nor even teaching and preaching the Word. His greatest goal is to live Jesus Christ so that men may know the Father.” Representing God - When I stepped up to the checkpoint so I could enter the prison, I was told that my identification card had been misplaced. The guard had to fill out a temporary permission slip so I could get in and teach Bible classes to some of the inmates. After I showed her my driver’s license, she filled out the slip and I was allowed in. When I glanced at the piece of paper, I laughed. In the space provided to indicate who I was representing, the guard had written “God.” Later, as I drove home, I thought about that permission slip more seriously. The guard may have had a sense of humor, but she was right! Even though I was representing a prison ministry, I was really representing God. I am glad the guard made that connection. Paul said to the Corinthians, “We are ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20). As such, we have a responsibility to “walk properly toward those who are outside” the faith (1 Thessalonians 4:12). As followers of Jesus Christ, we represent God wherever we are, and in whatever we do. On the job, in the neighborhood, on the softball team, or on the highway, we are His representatives. Wherever I am, whatever I do, O God, please help me to live In a way that makes me credible As Your representative. —Egner Christ sends us out to bring others in. Dare to Be Different - Since my dad was a pastor, I got stuck with the label known to every pastor’s kid: PK. But, much to the congregation’s disappointment, the title didn’t stop me from being my mischievous little self. I can’t count the times I heard, “Little Joe, you’re the pastor’s son. You should be an example.” But I didn’t want to be an example! I was only 5 and wanted to have fun with my friends! Let’s face it, being an example is often about being different. But most of us don’t want to be different. We want people to like us, and the safest way to do that is to blend in. But following Christ has never been about blending in. Following Him means to be like Him, to respond to life and relate to people as He did. It’s a little risky and uncomfortable to be different. But that’s what being an “ambassador for Christ” (2 Cor. 5:20) is all about—bringing the wonderful difference of your King to bear on the territory you’ve been assigned: your home, your office, your friendships. Representing the King is not just our calling; it’s a great honor. In retrospect, I can see how my antics as a PK reflected poorly on my dad. It’s motivating to remember that our non-Jesus attitudes and actions also reflect poorly on our King. Show me the way, Lord, let my light shine As an example of good to mankind; Help them to see the patterns of Thee, Shining in beauty, lived out in me. —Neuer Dare to be different— for the Father’s sake. Heaven's Ambassadors We are ambassadors for Christ. — 2 Corinthians 5:20 Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 A fourth-grade classmate of mine made a lasting impression on me. His goal was to be a national ambassador when he grew up. He never achieved this lofty childhood dream, but as a believer in Christ he is an ambassador in a land that is not his real home. So am I. So is every Christian. According to Paul, our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20). Through Christ, God has made each of us into a new creation and reconciled us to Himself (2 Cor. 5:17-18). Meanwhile, we serve as Christ’s ambassadors (2Co 5:20) to a world that is perishing under a hostile ruler. But what does it mean to be Christ’s ambassador? It means we are to urge others to be reconciled to God (vv.18-20). Our task is to lead people to the Savior so that they become citizens of the eternal kingdom we represent. Together with them we anticipate His return for us and the time when the kingdoms of this world will become the “kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ” (Rev. 11:15). Let us go forth, as called of God, Redeemed by Jesus' precious blood; His love to show, His life to live, His message speak, His mercy give. —Whittle Our citizenship in heaven defines our duties here on earth. Truth and Reconciliation - To help heal the wounds left by racial injustices in South Africa, the government extended amnesty to any citizens who would come forward with the truth about crimes they had committed. Many atrocities were detailed and confessed. Some families learned for the first time the “who, what, when, where, and how” of their loved one’s “extermination.” Many cloaked their confession in “I was just following orders.” For some victim’s families, the truth brought a degree of closure. As I watched segments of the proceedings on TV, I longed to see expressions of heartfelt repentance and forgiveness. No doubt some genuine healing took place, but it wasn’t obvious from what I saw. Then it occurred to me that truth alone doesn’t bring about reconciliation. That comes only when truth is accompanied by grace. But what is the source of such grace? John said that Jesus was “full of grace and truth” (Jn. 1:14). And Paul said that when Jesus died on the cross, “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Cor. 5:19). His grace is sufficient, no one can exhaust it; Be strong in God's grace—each day it is new. Draw largely, continually, out of His fullness; You'll find that His grace is sufficient for you. —Anon. Those who know God's grace will show God's grace. 2 Corinthians 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him he: Isa 53:4-6,9-12 Da 9:26 Zec 13:7 Ro 8:3 Ga 3:13 Eph 5:2 1Pe 3:18 1Jn 2:1,2)(who: Isa 53:9 Lk 1:35 Heb 7:26 1Pe 2:22-24 1Jn 3:5 we: 2Co 5:17 Isa 45:24,25 53:11 Jer 23:26 33:16 Da 9:24 Ro 1:17 3:21-26 Ro 5:19 8:1-4 10:3,4 1Co 1:30 Php 3:9 2 Corinthians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Isaiah 53:4-6+ Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed. 6 All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him. Hebrews 4:15 (THE SINLESS SAVIOR) For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 7:26, 27 (THE SINLESS SAVIOR) For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; Who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. 1 Peter 1:19 (SINLESS SAVIOR) but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. 1 Peter 2:22 (THE SINLESS SAVIOR) WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; 1 John 3:5 (THE SINLESS SAVIOR) You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin. FOR IN DEPTH COMMENT ON THIS VERSE CLICK 2 Corinthians 5:21 THE LAMB OF GOD MADE THE SCAPEGOAT FOR US C H
2 Coríntios 5:14-16
Morgan writes… When he knew Christ after the flesh he considered Him as the leader of a new sect, the leader of a new party, a menace to holy religion. He says we do not see Him like that any more. We know Him now in the Spirit, by the Spirit. Murray Harris explains that… Paul’s encounter with the risen Lord on the Damascus road effected the twofold change in attitude: Jesus was the Messiah and Lord; Gentile believers were his brothers “in Christ” while his unbelieving compatriots were “without Christ.” A T Robertson… He had before his conversion known Christ kata sarka (according to the flesh), according to the standards of the men of his time, the Sanhedrin and other Jewish leaders. He had led the persecution against Jesus till Jesus challenged and stopped him (Acts 9:4). That event turned Paul clean round and he no longer knows Christ in the old way kata sarka (according to the flesh). Paul may or may not have seen Jesus in the flesh before his death, but he says absolutely nothing on that point here. We have known (1097) (ginosko) means to acquire information usually by experience (rather than by intuition), to get to know, to gain experiential confirmation regarding something or someone. Generally, the knowledge of ginosko goes beyond the merely factual and in some contexts was used of a special relationship between the person who knows and the object of the knowledge. For example, in certain contexts ginosko even referred to the intimate relationship between husband and wife or between God and His people. Ralph Earle says that although Paul uses two verbs for know (eido, ginosko) in this same verse, there is… no appreciable difference of meaning. Both are used of knowing God or Christ with an intimacy and personal quality that leads to fellowship As an aside there is a process by which one receives spiritual knowledge and it primarily involves obedience to the Word of God. As I obey the truth I have heard (choosing to deny my flesh and instead choosing God's way regardless of the cost), I began to "assimilate" that truth. This principle was taught by Jesus Who stated that… If anyone is willing to DO His will, he will KNOW (ginosko) of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself. (Jn 7:17) Comment: Do you see the link Jesus establishes between "doing" and "knowing"? As this truth becomes an experiential part of my thinking, the product is gnosis and the process of is ginosko. Like Wayne Barber likes to say, most of us want the final product "spiritual gnosis" but not many of us want to walk through the sometimes painful process of ginosko to obtain the gnosis. If this explanation confuses you like it did me when I first heard this teaching, persevere and I think you will see that this principle is Biblical. Christ (5547) (Christos from chrio = to anoint, rub with oil, consecrate to an office) is the Anointed One, the Messiah, Christos being the Greek equivalent of the transliterated Hebrew word Messiah. In the OT the word "anointed" was closely linked with two offices -- king and high priest. It was prophesied that Jesus, from David's kingly line, would one day hold ultimate authority in our world. As high priest, Jesus offered himself up for us and lives today to make intercession for us. In Jesus' day, then, the Christ was thought of as Israel's deliverer. Yet now - Marks a contrast. We know Him - This is the same verb ginosko, which describes knowing by experience (but see note by Earle above). In this way no longer - In other words Paul no longer viewed Christ from a human point of view or by human standards of judging. This does not mean that Paul disregarded Jesus life on earth as a man as some commentators teach. That would be patently absurd! The point is that before his new birth, Paul hated Christ as well as all who followed Him. Paul's avowed aversion toward Christ was supernaturally transformed by the love of Christ into an "avid attraction" toward Him. Butler offers a simple explanation that… To know someone after the flesh means knowing and evaluating people as the flesh judges. Paul says he used to evaluate (“known”) Christ on that basis but now he evaluates Christ from a spiritual point of view. Furthermore that is the way he evaluates men. The flesh says fame and fortune make a man great—but that is to “know” someone after the flesh. To evaluate spiritually will make a much different judgment of people. It says the rich and influential need the Gospel just as much as the poor person and that the educated need Christ just as much as the uneducated. (Analytical Bible Expositor: 1 and 2 Corinthians)
2 Coríntios 5:20-21
Morgan writes... What urgency breathes through these words! The subject is that of the reconciliation made possible between man and God, because "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." That word of reconciliation is committed to those called to serve Christ. They are ambassadors on behalf of Christ. Therefore the urgency. They must deliver their message in a way worthy of the One Who sends them: "As though God were entreating by us; we beseech." That was Paul's concept of the way to preach Christ; and it is manifest in all the records we have of his journeys, his spoken messages, as well as in his letters. The marvel and the glory of the Divine provision, and the terror and peril of human need, were such as to make anything in the nature of indifference to results or coolness in presentation impossible. Every call was a beseeching. Moreover he dared to say that in this attitude he was representing God; and every soul who knows anything of the real meaning of the Cross, knows that this is a true word. God does not treat human salvation as a matter about which He can be indifferent or careless. The Cross is His passion, His earnestness; may we not dare to say, that by which He entreats men to be reconciled. In face of that, what can be worse than to declare His message as though it were not a message vital, tremendous, demanding all passion and power in its delivery? All this makes us think! And perhaps the thinking is better done alone! (Life Applications from Every Chapter of the Bible) Looking For Loopholes - Comedian W. C. Fields (1880-1946) could make audiences roar with laughter, yet he himself was chronically unhappy. Religion apparently played no part in his life. But it’s been said that as he faced the possibility of dying, he started to devote time to reading the Bible. When he was asked about his new interest in Scripture, Fields, always the comedian, replied, “I’m looking for loopholes, my friend. Looking for loopholes.” Fields may not have known Hebrews 9:27, “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,” yet he realized that he might soon be standing before God. And he may have been wondering what he would say if asked by the Lord why he should not be judged for his sins. We will all stand before God someday, so it’s imperative that we prepare to meet Him. But how? The only preparation we need to make is to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior from sin. He died to take the punishment we deserve (2Corinthians 5:21; 1Peter 3:18). When we admit that we are sinners (Romans 3:23) and ask Him to forgive and save us (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:13), we are brought into a right relationship with God (2Corinthians 5:18, 19). Are you prepared? There are no loopholes. —Vernon Grounds How can you go another day? Respond to Christ, do not delay; Just trust in Him, His Word believe— Eternal life you will receive. —Branon Don't plan to repent at the 11th hour —you may die at 10:30. AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST - Late one night a salesman drove into a strange city and tried to get a room in a hotel. The clerk informed him that there was no vacancy. Disappointed, he started to leave the lobby when a dignified gentleman offered to share his room with him. Gratefully the traveler accepted his kindness. Just before retiring, the man who had shown such hospitality, knelt and prayed aloud. In his petition he referred to the stranger by name and asked the Lord to bless him. Upon awakening the next morning, he told his guest it was his habit to read the Bible and commune with God at the beginning of each day, and he asked if he would like to join him. The Holy Spirit had been speaking to the heart of this salesman, and when his host tactfully confronted him with the claims of Christ, he gladly received the Savior. As the two were ready to part, they exchanged business cards. The new believer was amazed to read, “William Jennings Bryan, Secretary of State.” You see William Jennings Bryan was not only the Secretary of State under Woodrow Wilson, but more importantly he was an ambassador for Christ. Once you are saved you are transformed into a “new creature” and are given a new mission. You become Christ’s “ambassador.” - from P. R. Van Gorder: J. Dwight Pentecost states in his book, Designed to Be Like Him, “There can be no higher goal. There can be no higher ambition. There can be no higher purpose than that which the Word of God puts before us as the chief end of the child of God, to glorify God. The greatest goal in the believer’s life is not his own enjoyment of his salvation. His highest goal is not learning the truths of Scripture, nor even teaching and preaching the Word. His greatest goal is to live Jesus Christ so that men may know the Father.” Just like the prince or son of a King would act like royalty and so must the children of God act. We are ambassadors for God here on earth and we should act like children of God. As believers, being an ambassador for Christ is our true vocation. Page Patterson said in TTU chapel that we are not students, teachers, lawyers, nor doctors in “vocation,” instead, we are ambassadors for Christ! Representing God - When I stepped up to the checkpoint so I could enter the prison, I was told that my identification card had been misplaced. The guard had to fill out a temporary permission slip so I could get in and teach Bible classes to some of the inmates. After I showed her my driver’s license, she filled out the slip and I was allowed in. When I glanced at the piece of paper, I laughed. In the space provided to indicate who I was representing, the guard had written “God.” Later, as I drove home, I thought about that permission slip more seriously. The guard may have had a sense of humor, but she was right! Even though I was representing a prison ministry, I was really representing God. I am glad the guard made that connection. Paul said to the Corinthians, “We are ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20). As such, we have a responsibility to “walk properly toward those who are outside” the faith (1 Thessalonians 4:12). As followers of Jesus Christ, we represent God wherever we are, and in whatever we do. On the job, in the neighborhood, on the softball team, or on the highway, we are His representatives. Lord, help us to represent You faithfully in every area of our lives. Amen. — by David C. Egner Wherever I am, whatever I do, O God, please help me to live In a way that makes me credible As Your representative. —Egner Christ sends us out to bring others in. Dare to Be Different - Since my dad was a pastor, I got stuck with the label known to every pastor’s kid: PK. But, much to the congregation’s disappointment, the title didn’t stop me from being my mischievous little self. I can’t count the times I heard, “Little Joe, you’re the pastor’s son. You should be an example.” But I didn’t want to be an example! I was only 5 and wanted to have fun with my friends! Let’s face it, being an example is often about being different. But most of us don’t want to be different. We want people to like us, and the safest way to do that is to blend in. But following Christ has never been about blending in. Following Him means to be like Him, to respond to life and relate to people as He did. It’s a little risky and uncomfortable to be different. But that’s what being an “ambassador for Christ” (2 Cor. 5:20) is all about—bringing the wonderful difference of your King to bear on the territory you’ve been assigned: your home, your office, your friendships. Representing the King is not just our calling; it’s a great honor. In retrospect, I can see how my antics as a PK reflected poorly on my dad. It’s motivating to remember that our non-Jesus attitudes and actions also reflect poorly on our King. Make a difference by daring to be different!— by Joe Stowell Show me the way, Lord, let my light shine As an example of good to mankind; Help them to see the patterns of Thee, Shining in beauty, lived out in me. —Neuer Dare to be different— for the Father’s sake. Truth and Reconciliation - To help heal the wounds left by racial injustices in South Africa, the government extended amnesty to any citizens who would come forward with the truth about crimes they had committed. Many atrocities were detailed and confessed. Some families learned for the first time the “who, what, when, where, and how” of their loved one’s “extermination.” Many cloaked their confession in “I was just following orders.” For some victim’s families, the truth brought a degree of closure. As I watched segments of the proceedings on TV, I longed to see expressions of heartfelt repentance and forgiveness. No doubt some genuine healing took place, but it wasn’t obvious from what I saw. Then it occurred to me that truth alone doesn’t bring about reconciliation. That comes only when truth is accompanied by grace. But what is the source of such grace? John said that Jesus was “full of grace and truth” (Jn. 1:14). And Paul said that when Jesus died on the cross, “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Cor. 5:19). As Christians, we experience God’s grace and forgiveness in a deeply personal way. Because we are reconciled to Him, we are enabled to extend grace to others.— by Dennis J. De Haan His grace is sufficient, no one can exhaust it; Be strong in God's grace—each day it is new. Draw largely, continually, out of His fullness; You'll find that His grace is sufficient for you. —Anon. Those who know God's grace will show God's grace. 2 Corinthians 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (NASB: Lockman) Greek: ton me gnonta (AAPMSA) hamartian huper hemon amartian epoiesen, (3SAAI) hina hemeis genometha (1PAMS) dikaiosune theou en auto. Amplified: For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness]. (Lockman)