090126- Meditational Nuggets from 2 Corinthians 5 KJV
“[17] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
[18] And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
[19] 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.
[20] 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.”
Ambassador for CHRIST
2 Corinthians 5:1-10 KJV -
1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.
4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.
5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
• Christian Living in Earthly Body Today with Eternal One in Heaven in View v1-3
Our earthly body is temporary, but God has prepared an eternal home for us. Therefore, while we live in this world, we must walk by faith, live to please God, and remember that our lives will one day be accountable to Christ.
Paul reminds us that this earthly body is like a temporary tent—asthenic, aging, and atrophic; subject to suffering. Yet for every believer, there is a glorious hope: an eternal dwelling prepared by God in heaven. This gives us courage to survive in times of weakness lol and strength to overcome uncertainties.
Verse 7 gives us a powerful principle for daily Christian living: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” We may not always understand God’s plan or see what lies ahead, but we can confidently trust the One who holds our future.
Paul also teaches that our greatest goal should be to be “accepted of him”—to live a life pleasing to the Lord. One day, every believer will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of how we lived and served.
Let this be out guiding light:
• Our eternal hope is secure in Christ. Do not be discouraged by the daily struggles we face that weakens our body and worn us out in this temporary life.
• Our earthly life is guided by the Light of Christ. Let us walk by faith even when we cannot see the whole path.
• Our existence in this world is temporal and momentarily. Let pleasing God be more important than pleasing people.
• Our earthly life has eternal significance. Let us live each day with the awareness that we must be an example of godliness and Christ-like surrendered life.
Thoughts we should ponder:
Because heaven is our eternal home, we should not live merely for what we can see and experience today. Walk by faith, willingly serve God faithfully, and wholeheartedly live in a way that will bring joy and honor to Christ when we finally stand before Him.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV
2 Corinthians 5:11-21 KJV
[11] 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.
[12] 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.
[13] For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.
[14] For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
[15] 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.
[16] 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.
[17] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
[18] And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
[19] 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.
[20] 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.
[21] 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.
• Christ’s Love constrains us, and In Christ our LORD: A New Life and a New Mission
Key Verse:
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
This passage reveals the transforming power and purpose of the Gospel. Paul teaches that the love of Christ constrains us—it compels us to live no longer for ourselves, but for Him who died and rose again for us.
When we receive Christ, we become a new creature. Our past does not have to define our future. Old sinful ways, attitudes, and priorities must gradually give way to a new life that reflects Christ.
God has not only reconciled us to Himself through Jesus; He has also given us the ministry of reconciliation. As believers, we are ambassadors for Christ, called to share His message of forgiveness, hope, and salvation with others.
The greatest truth is found in verse 21: Jesus, who knew no sin, took our sin upon Himself so that through Him we could receive the righteousness of God. What an amazing exchange of grace!
Devotional Application
• Let the love of Christ motivate everything you do.
• Listen always to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and remember that in Christ, you are no longer defined by your past.
• Live as a new creation, reflecting the character of Jesus.
• Look for an opportunity to be an ambassador of reconciliation, commit to bring others closer to God.
• Lean always upon the LORD, trust Him in everything; never forget the price Christ paid to give you a new life.
Because Christ died for us, we should live for Him.
Because He reconciled us to God, we are called to help reconcile others to Him.
In Christ, we have a new identity, a new purpose, and a new mission.
🙏 Prayer:
Lord, thank You for making me a new creature in Christ. Let Your love control my life and help me live not for myself, but for You. Make me a faithful ambassador of Your grace and reconciliation. Help me to always remember that you commissioned me to go share Your words to others; to work in the ministry of reconciliation.
Help me always to love GOD more than myself. In JESUS most Holy Name I pray.
Amen. ❤️
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