In conversing with other believers one will find a common misconception about our Heavenly Father. So many will state something to the effect that God is still angry with people over sin. This is taught to people either directly or indirectly. From pietistic rules such as you better come to church at least 3 times a week to this terrible thing happened because you did something wrong. Rather than tell others of the good news people make God out to be the one with the problem.
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19 ESV)
In this section St Paul makes a bold statement which seems too good to be true. Christ’s finished work on the cross and rising from the dead has reconciled all people to God. This is so hard to swallow that many object to it no matter the Theological bend which has grabbed them. To combat this bend we see St Paul continue:
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:20-21 ESV)
Aha so God is not the one with the problem but rather the sinners who have it against God who will not reconcile. This makes perdition all the worse for it is not the falling short of God that damns but the stubborn refusal to trust in Jesus’ provision. It is so unnecessary for one to spend eternity apart from the goodness and joy of our Creator.
Let us therefore, believe this good news and live in the peace that it gives. In the name of Jesus. Amen. †
