A new creation

The history of the world was divided into two by Christ. The coming of Christ had that great an impact on human history. Of particular importance are the events of His death on the cross and His resurrection. These are the events of atonement, groundbreaking events that make all things new. Paul also experienced a revolutionary change through these events. (1) Therefore, he says, “from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh.” In other words, he no longer evaluates people by such standards as whether they are Jewish, wealthy, educated, or of high social status, but evaluates them in light of the grace of Christ. (2) Furthermore, he says that he no longer judges Christ according to human standards. Here Paul was probably thinking of himself before his conversion. He had once judged Christ by human standards and persecuted Christians who believed that a condemned man who died on the cross was the Messiah. But from now on, he would see that Christ as the One who died for his sins and rose again. Paul’s confession like this comes from the conviction expressed in the following verse 17: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” What a wonderful verse this is! Those who have believed in Christ have been transformed by the Holy Spirit and brought into reconciliation with God.

The ministry of reconciliation

An apostle is one who carries the message of reconciliation with God accomplished through Christ. (1) This reconciliation is not something created by human beings but comes from God. (2) Through the cross of Christ, God opened the way to reconciliation. (3) The task of proclaiming the message of reconciliation (the gospel) was entrusted to the apostles and to all believers in Christ. Are you ready to proclaim the gospel? Let us examine the following. (1) Do I understand that the death of Christ is the power that makes all things new? (2) Have I believed in Christ and experienced the new birth? (3) Am I compelled by the love of Christ to proclaim the gospel?