The Walk!

The Walk!

2 Corinthians 5:18 AMPC

[18] But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself [received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself] and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation [that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him].

As we consider the topics of salvation, grace, justification, sanctification, redemption and enablement, it is very clear what the limits of mortal man are, and what all-encompassing grace and mercy of God have been able to achieve. As we consider these topics, you see quite clearly that there is nothing anyone could have done or given to earn or deserve any of the things received. It is this truth that makes all that God does even more poignant and relevant to our reflection today. If man could boast about anything, it would not be about salvation. If man could boast about anything he has, it will not be about what only God could have done or given him. Thank God man could not "buy' salvation; otherwise, many will kill to have and control it, and dispense it to the highest bidder. Thank God no man could control the gates to heaven or define those who have access to the throne of God's grace, otherwise, many will be locked out. 

Thank God that the stuff man celebrates are not the things God considers when He is dispensing grace. He did not do some, and then leave man to figure out the rest; He delivered a completed package to man, and just asked man to believe in that finished work and then work out the product and benefits of salvation on a daily basis, so that other people can be attracted to the same grace and seek to come in. This is the focus and summary of the verse above. ALL things are from God. I could not contribute anything to it, except to trust in that finished work. However, as it has been made clear in the verse above, there is something required from me as a result of that finished work, and it is called the ministry of reconciliation. One thing that is clear also from the verse above is that God will not demand from me that which He has not first supplied sufficient grace for. He does not ask me to do anything which He has not first shown a perfect example of. 

When he tells me to love my enemies, He had done a good job and laid the perfect example for me. When he tells me to tell others about the good news of Jesus Christ, it is because He has already planted the seed of joy in me, and the fountain of joy cannot be shut up. It has to flow out. The death and resurrection of Jesus has sealed salvation, redemption and eternal life for me; the great divide that sin brought has been removed by blood. I now have full access to life down here as well as eternal life with God. It is by my words and deeds that men will know I am different. The world knows its own, as well as those who are not like it. Am I claiming to be different, yet seeking to blend in and be accepted by the world? A work has been placed in my care, and there are terms and conditions attached. It will not get done by manual labour alone, but by the same enablement that called and saved me, and is able to save other people. Would you accept God's manifest grace, so that you can also be a blessing to others? God's time of favour is here.