God is very clear concerning why his people are in the world after reconciliation. In other words, God tells us why he doesn’t take us to him in heaven after we come to be in Jesus Christ. (17)
First, what is reconciliation? Reconciliation is God establishing a close relationship with us by not counting our sins against us. (19) God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (21) We heard the message, “We reconciled to God,” and we believed. (20)
Now we are one with God in Christ. Yet, we are still in this world. Why? God has made us his ambassadors. God is making his appeal to others through us. (20) The ministry of reconciliation, with the message of reconciliation, is ours. (18b, 19b) Jesus commands, “Go into the world and preach the good news to all creation.” The good news is the message of reconciliation. Go. Do not receive God’s grace in vain. Now is the time to preach salvation, God’s favor. (6:1-2)
