“All This From God” (2 Corinthians 5: 19 – 20, ESV) by Carley Evans

Sometimes we seem to forget that God reconciles the world to Himself via His Son, Jesus Christ. We seem to be under the impression that somehow we individually reconcile ourselves to God through Jesus Christ, His Son.

“All this is from God,” writes Paul, “who through Christ reconciles us to Himself.” (2 Corinthians 5: 18)

Paul does not write, “All this is from you, who — through Christ — reconcile yourself to God” as if Christ’s sacrificial work is secondary to your effort.

If we love God, it is only because He loves us first. In a way, it is as if God loves Himself via His Holy Spirit who dwells within us.

Paul’s message to us is one “of reconciliation, of “God not counting [our] trespasses against [us].” If God decides not to hold our sins against us, why are we so keen to hold them against each other? Why do we forget our sins are nailed forever on the Cross of Calvary?

“Eternal Weight Of Glory” (2 Corinthians 4: 16 – 17, ESV) by Carley Evans

Consider that carrying the eternal weight of glory needs preparation. “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”

Compared to the weight of glory, the afflictions we bear now are said to be light, fleeting, bearable.

The Holy Spirit within us is the guarantee that “what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.” (2 Corinthians 5: 4) Presently “we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling.” (2 Corinthians 5: 2) We long for our better country.

“From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh.” (2 Corinthians 5: 16) Instead, we see each other as new creations in Christ, born again of the Spirit of Christ, who died for us. Compared to His sufferings, our afflictions are truly inconsequential.

“As servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities.” (2 Corinthians 6: 4) We also commend ourselves “by the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness.” (2 Corinthians 6: 7)

We are being prepared for the eternal weight of His glory.

“The Old Is Gone” (2 Corinthians 5: 17, ESV) by Carley Evans

“The new has come,” writes Paul to the Corinthians. “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciles us to Himself.” (2 Corinthians 5: 18)

Paul declares that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” As a new creation, the old is gone, passed away.

Jesus says that “no one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.” (Matthew 9: 16 – 17)

When the Holy Spirit enters our lives, we are fundamentally changed. God does not put Himself into an old creature; instead He transforms us so that we are fit temples for His Holy Spirit.

“Do you not know,” writes Paul, “that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” (1 Corinthians 3: 16 – 17)

And, Paul continues, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6: 19 – 20)

Peter writes, “As He who calls you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I Am holy.’ ” (1 Peter 1: 15 – 16)

The new is come! Glorify God in your body, His temple.