20160805 Friday, August 5 2016
2 Corinthians 05: The Messiah's Atonement And Reconciliation For You

by Wayne Blank
See also 1 Year Holy Bible Reading Plan

"For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our LORD Jesus Christ, by Whom we have now received the atonement"

The English-language word "atone," despite its usual pronunciation ("at-own") that hides its literal meaning, is simply a compound of "at" and "one." Humanity was created "at one" with God, but when they rebelled, the LORD God (see The Identity Of The LORD God and The LORD God Our Saviour) paid the price to make those who chose to do so, "at one" with God again.

The English-language word "conciliate" means to make, or be, at peace. "Reconciliation" means to restore peace.

The Messiah's Sacrifice (see What Really Happened At Passover? and The Days Of Passover: Why Observe The True Christian Holy Days?) provided the atonement (see The Christian Day Of Atonement) so that humanity can be reconciled to God.

"5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement." (Romans 5:8-11 KJV)

Gifts are free, but they are given for a reason. Atonement and reconciliation are a free gift to the truly repentant (see Christ Died For Repentant Sinners and Who Can Be Saved?).

"5:1 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. 5:2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 5:3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 5:4 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. 5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

5:6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 5:10 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." (2 Corinthians 5:1-10 KJV)

Salvation will occur in two stages, by means of two resurrections - two harvests (see The Harvests Of Salvation and The Postponement Of Death; also The Biology Of The Resurrection).

"5:11 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. 5:12 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. 5:13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 5:15 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.

5:16 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. 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 5:19 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. 5:20 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. 5:21 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." (2 Corinthians 5:11-21 KJV)

Fact Finder: How is grace involved in the Messiah's atonement and reconciliation of humanity?
See What Does Grace Really Mean?