Verse of the Day (January 13, 2020)

Verse of the Day (January 13, 2020) #BMSeminary – [in Christ, God] God by his own will and design used his Son, the only acceptable and perfect sacrifice, as the means to reconcile sinners to himself (v. 18; Acts 2:23; Col. 1:19–20; cf. John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:5–6). reconciling the world. God initiates the change in the sinner’s status in that he brings him from a position of alienation to a state of forgiveness and right relationship with himself. This again is the essence of the gospel. The word “world” should not be interpreted in any universalistic sense, which would say that everyone will be saved, or even potentially reconciled. “World” refers rather to the entire sphere of mankind or humanity (cf. Titus 2:11; 3:4), the category of beings to whom God offers reconciliation—people from every ethnic group, without distinction. The intrinsic merit of Christ’s reconciling death is infinite and the offer is unlimited. However, actual atonement was made only for those who believe (cf. John 10:11; 15; 17:9; Acts 13:48; 20:28; Rom. 8:32–33; Eph. 5:25). The rest of humanity will pay the price personally for their own sin in eternal hell. counting. This may also be translated “reckoning.” This is the heart of the doctrine of justification whereby God declares the repentant sinner righteous and does not count his sins against him because he covers him with the righteousness of Christ the moment he places wholehearted faith in Christ and his sacrificial death (Rom. 3:24–4:5; cf. Ps. 32:2; Rom. 4:8). [message of reconciliation].(2 Cor. 5:18). Here Paul presents another aspect to the meaning of the gospel. He used the Greek word for “message” (cf. Acts 13:26), which indicated a true and trustworthy message, as opposed to a false or unsure one. In a world filled with false messages, believers have the solid, truthful message of the gospel. [ambassadors] A term that is related to the more familiar Greek word often translated “elder.” It described an older, more experienced man who served as a representative of a king from one country to another. Paul thus described his role—and the role of all believers—as a messenger representing the King of heaven with the gospel, who pleads with the people of the world to be reconciled to God, who is their rightful King (cf. Rom. 10:13–18). God making his appeal. As believers present the gospel, God speaks (lit., “calls,” or “begs”) through them and urges unbelieving sinners to come in an attitude of faith and accept the gospel, which means to repent of their sins and believe on Jesus (cf. Acts 16:31; James 4:8). (MacArthur Study Bible)