1. The Provision of Reconciliation
18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 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)
2. The Plan of Reconciliation
21 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 5:21 (ESV)
Sinless:
9 . . . and there was no deceit in his mouth. Isaiah 53:9 (ESV)
Made sin on behalf of others:
4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows . . . Isaiah 53:4 (ESV)
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:5-6 (ESV)
11 . . . he shall bear their iniquities. Isaiah 53:11 (ESV)
12 . . . yet he bore the sin of many . . . . Isaiah 53:12 (ESV)
Become the righteousness of God:
11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous . . . Isaiah 53:11 (ESV)
3. The Plea of Reconciliation
20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. . . . 1 Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 5:20; 6:1-2 (ESV)
8 Thus says the LORD: “In a time of favor I have answered you; in a day of salvation I have helped you; I will keep you and give you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages, Isaiah 49:8 (ESV)