2 corinthians 5:18 - But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation;

Generated Verse: 2 corinthians 5:18

What does "2 corinthians 5:18" mean?


This verse, 2 Corinthians 5:18, is a foundational statement about the core of Christian faith and the role of believers. Let's break it down:

"But all things are of God..." This establishes the ultimate source of everything. God is the originator, creator, and sustainer of all things. In the context of reconciliation, it means that the initiative for restoring broken relationships (between humanity and God) comes from God. It is God's plan, not a human invention.

"...who reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ..." This is the heart of the Gospel. Reconciliation means to restore a broken relationship to harmony and friendship. Humanity was separated from God because of sin. However, God, in his love, took the initiative to bridge that gap. This reconciliation is accomplished through Jesus Christ. His death on the cross atoned for our sins and removed the barrier separating us from God. Because of Christ, we can be brought back into a right relationship with God.

"...and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation..." This is where the believers' role comes in. Because we have been reconciled to God through Christ, we are now given the ministry of reconciliation. A ministry is a service or a work. We are called to be ambassadors or agents of reconciliation, extending the message of reconciliation to others. This means:
Sharing the Gospel: Telling others about Jesus Christ and how they can be reconciled to God.
Promoting Peace and Unity: Working to heal broken relationships, not just between individuals but also between groups and communities.
Living a Life that Reflects Reconciliation: Our actions should demonstrate the love and forgiveness that we have received from God.

In essence, the verse means that God, through Jesus Christ, has made it possible for humanity to be restored to a right relationship with him. And those who have experienced this reconciliation are now tasked with sharing that message with others and living in a way that promotes peace and unity in the world.

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