2 Corinthians 5:10-11 & 17-21: A New Creation

 

2 Corinthians 5:10-11 & 16-21: A New Creation

2 Corinthians 5:10-11 and 16-21 are such a powerful verses that it seems pointless to try to add my own commentary, so I will keep it brief.

When you read verse 10 you will see that the Bible is proof that all we say, think, and do matters.  We will indeed all be judged before the Lord.  Revelation 20:12  also states, "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." So make no mistake in believing after you say a prayer asking Jesus in your heart, you are no longer accountable for your actions.  Having this knowledge encourages us to do the right things.  Because we are always known to God, it should affect our consciences and help us to stay on the narrow paths of righteousness. 

I love how in verse 11, Paul explains so beautifully that we should not live for ourselves but unto Him which died for us and rose again.  When you think of it that way, it makes you want to do better to live a life pleasing to Jesus.  Just as it says in Romans 2:4 "that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance."  God's amazing love makes me want to be a better person.

I am sure you have heard verse 17 many times. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."  The meaning is really not complicated, but the act to become new may be.  To be a new creation in Jesus means to give up your sinful choices.  To not do the things you did before you became a Christian such as getting drunk, having sex outside of marriage, stealing, celebrating the occult, etc.  

The act of putting sins behind you can be a long and difficult process, especially when struggling with an addiction that is a stronghold from Satan such as alcohol/drugs, pornography, sex, violence, or witchcraft.  Pray to the Holy Spirit to help you conquer these sins and get connected with a good Christian friend or counselor.  Someone with holiness beliefs that will not try to justify your sins but help you overcome them and who will help hold you up and pray with you when you struggle.  Stay grounded in the Word of God and stay away from false preachers that say sin is no big deal (remember verse 10 I just mentioned above).  But don't give up when you make mistakes!  Don't let the devil win by staying backwards in sin. Ask for forgiveness and keep pressing forward to always try to do the right things.

These last verses in 18-21 speak about reconciliation. The word reconcile can mean restoring relationships or making two views compatible with each other.  You can see where both definitions fit.  God wanted us to be compatible with Jesus, so He sent His son to die for our sins.  When we repent of our sins and try to stay a new creation, we restore our relationship with God and can walk in sweet communion with Him!   

Prayerfully read over the verses below and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart and soul as you seek His guidance to be clean and renewed in body, mind, and spirit!

(2 Corinthians 5:10-11 & 17-21) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 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.

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.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 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.

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. 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.