Over the past two days we considered the prophetic shadow in which we live. First, we discussed the prophecy of Wars and Rumors of Wars, then the Stage Set for the Antichrist. Those are prophecies clearly taught in Scripture and ones we are watching play out in our lifetime. Take a moment to review them if you haven’t already, because today we’ll focus on God’s instructions to us in light of what we see in our world!

We’ll dwell on 2 Corinthians 5:19 today, so meditate on it for a moment:

God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

There are three simple truths in that verse that guide us:

• It is God in Christ who reconciles the world to Himself! Notice, it says nothing about what we do to be reconciled to Him. He initiates it! Jesus came to this earth to relate to us as humans, and when He ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit came to guide us into that reconciliation. We simply receive the gift of salvation!
• Amazingly, He does not impute our trespasses to us. That means He stops keeping record of our sin! Wow…amazing! Micah 7:19 says he casts our sin into the depths of the sea, and according to Psalm 103:12, He casts our sins as far as the east is from the west. Without love, people keep lists, but God’s love erases sin! Is your sin erased? What about those who sin against you…are you keeping a list? If so, activate God’s love!
• God gives us power to reconcile the rest of the world! As we live in the prophetic shadow, awaiting Christ’s return, we have a job to do! We are to guide others to see and understand what Christ has done for them.

Now, let’s put that one verse in full context! Verses 14-21 of 2 Corinthians 5 provide the rest of the story! First, it is Christ’s love that compels us. We have no love of our own, but are simply a conduit to pour out the love of Jesus upon others. Secondly, Christ died for ALL and we live for Him! That’s power!

But, check out verse 17! When we are in Christ (believers), we are brand new! Our old sinful ways have passed away and all things are new. Hallelujah! For that reason, we are ambassadors of Christ…His representative (verse 20).

Now the finale, verse 21. We’ll skip the analysis and let that verse speak for itself:

 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

~2 Corinthians 5:21

Live in the truth of God’s Word, dear friends, and be His ambassador!