Bible Discussion Thread

2 Co.5:17-19 "Ministry of Reconciliation" (1 of 2)

"And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;"

This ministry that St Paul refers here would have hit a blank wall but for 'the word of reconciliation.' "To wit that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself" so the word used in the context explains what it means by the Word became flesh. The work Jesus finished on earth is only one part of his ministry. The worlds of the Spirit and of the body are to be reconciled as well. So his promise to return after preparing a place for us means he has to fulfill why God was in him and gave him the ministry of reconciliation. The word of God is a sign where heaven and earth are by him consist. The cloud of witnesses and us are set on a single measurement in the Son.

The Spirit gives us a concrete image to explains his ministry of reconciliation. It also has to do with the holy city of God.

The angel who guided him was his fellow servant "And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel." and he reveals himself,"for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book." (Re.21:17;22:9)

We have already seen three principles which are ultimately the basis for the works of the Son. Principle of Association works on the basis of believers who have heard his doctrine and believed that he came from God.( Luke 10:16; Matt.10:40). The second principle is of Similitude so heaven is compared to earth to which parables are classic examples. Thus when Jesus Christ delivers the doctrine of Father, Evangelist Matthew gives him a seat the rock symbolized Zion (Matt.5:1)Melchizedek presenting Abraham with bread and wine is yet another. "TheLordhath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." (Ps.110:4)