photo #7276759

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.2 Corinthians 5:17-20 Anyone can be in Christ. This is a promise for any that repent and turn to Him. This is a regeneration from the old nature into a new creation. Spurgeon said it was easier for God to create everything out of nothing than to create a Christian. Our will is rebellious and stubborn, born in sin, without hope of seeing God. It is impossible for us to redeem ourselves. Only Christ can reconcile us to God. In that, He has paid the price with His blood. And in this new birth, we are not just patched up but made new. God used Christ, putting all guilt and wrath our sin deserves on Him. At this point, Christ was reconciling the world back to Himself, as He created all things. Thus, sin was satisfied, and our debt paid forever. We are ambassadors for Christ. An ambassador speaks what the King says. Paul is saying those who have submitted to Christ are being transformed daily by the Holy Ghost into Christ image. Are as if God Himself were speaking, imploring the whole world to be reconciled to God. Amen.