THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION

A Sonship Right

         

Before looking at this sonship right, we will explore the meaning of the following two words used in the title:

Ministry is 'service'. That means we render service, or 'wait upon' others. It is specifically the labor we do in serving.

Reconciliation means that there is a change on the part of one party (person) only, induced by some action by another party. That is, only one person changes their mind, and is reconciled to the other.

The following scriptures help to explain Reconciliation:

Romans 5: 10 -- For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

It was because God offered His son for our sins (His action) that we can be reconciled to Him.

Colossians 1: 20, 21 – And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be  things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your  mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled.

We were once enemies of God, in our minds, but now, as believers, we are reconciled to Him.

Ephesians 2: 16 -- And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

The context of this verse is talking about how both Jew and Gentile are reconciled together, into one body.

So what is the Ministry of Reconciliation? E. W. Bullinger described it as 'the office of advising, exhorting, beseeching men to be reconciled to God.' God doesn't have to change, but man does. God proved His loved for us by the death and resurrection of His son. It is up to each individual to decide to change their mind in order to be reconciled to God.

II Corinthians 5: 18 -- And all things are  of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

God has given us the ministry of reconciliation, not Joe Smith who lives down the street; not just the pastors and ministers of churches. Every born again believer has the right and privilege of helping others to be reconciled to God.

II Corinthians 5: 19 --To wit [know], 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.

Once again, God has given to us the word of reconciliation. It is His Word that we must speak. No words that man devises will reconcile others to God.

II Corinthians 5: 20 -- 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.

How is that for a prestigious job?? You are an ambassador for Christ. An ambassador is an authorized messenger or representative. Since neither God nor Christ can be here to reconcile mankind, we are their representatives. Our message to others: God loves you and gave His only son for you. We exhort you to be reconciled to God.

How do we perform this ministry? The first place to start is by our actions.

II Corinthians 3: 2, 3 -- Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are  manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

Others will read us before they read the Bible. If the Word is in our hearts, we will act like it. Do we act like we are reconciled to God? Do we manifest ‘agape’ -- the love of God in the renewed mind in manifestation? If we do, the Word we speak can have the desired impact on our listeners.

To speak the Word of reconciliation, we must know it first. This can only be accomplished by studying.

II Timothy 2: 15 – Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

As an ambassador, we are to speak boldly and with authority.

Ephesians 6: 20 -- For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

The ministry of reconciliation is a right and privilege of the children of God. By speaking the Word to others, we can help show them God's love for them, so they will be reconciled to God.

I Timothy 2: 4 -- Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the [accurate] knowledge of the truth.

The Ministry of Reconciliation was committed to us by God. If we don't move His Word, it simply won't move. We are God's legs, arms, and mouth. One of the signs of a truly committed Christian is whether or not he or she shares God's Word with others. If someone didn't share God's Word with you, where would you be today? Sometimes if we have fear about something, we have to confront that fear and simply do what we fear. Then it just seems to disappear. Remember to do your best. That is all God expects. When you share God's Word with others, you will get blessed. It's something you simply have to experience.

Romans 10: 14, 15 -- How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

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