What It Means to Be Reconciled to God
The good news begins with God’s action toward us in Jesus. Paul calls it reconciliation: through Christ, people separated from God by sin are brought into a restored relationship with Him.
reconciled us to himself through Christ
(2 Corinthians 5:18, NIV, excerpt)
Second Corinthians 5 connects Christ’s death and resurrection with new life in Him. Paul describes reconciliation as God’s work through Christ and urges his hearers to respond. The sinless Jesus bears sin so that people may become righteous in Him.
Receive the good news and respond with trust
Read the passage with attention to what God has done. Notice how often Paul directs the reader back to Christ.
If you are learning about Christian faith, bring your questions to a faithful pastor or Christian friend. Ask what it means to turn to God and trust Jesus for forgiveness and new life.
If you belong to Christ, give thanks for reconciliation. Let gratitude shape your worship and your desire to live for the One who died and rose for you.
When sharing this hope, speak clearly and gently. Tell the good news of Jesus with respect for the person listening and room for honest questions.
A prayer
Father, thank You for bringing reconciliation through Jesus. Help us turn to You in faith and live in gratitude for His death and resurrection. Give us clear, gentle words when we share the hope of the gospel. Amen.
Read 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 in the NIV.
Keep reading: What Repentance Looks Like in Everyday Life · Why Christians Can Approach God With Confidence.
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Through Jesus, God brings people near in a restored relationship with Him.
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