Christ was called what we are in order to call us to be what He is. (Theodoret of Cyr)
2 Corinthians 5:16-21 NRSV
From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So, if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat 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.
Augustine of Hippo
We are then truly free when God orders our lives, that is, forms and creates us not as human beings – this he has already done – but as good people, which he is now doing by his grace, that we may indeed be new creatures in Christ Jesus. Accordingly, the prayer: “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” (Enchiridion 9:31)
A new creation, O my Lord,
Free from what I used to be.
Cleanse away what’s old and evil,
Make a brand-new heart in me.
Father God, in love and mercy
You sent Jesus Christ your Son
To redeem your sin-cursed creatures.
All this on the cross was won.
He whom all the hosts of heaven
Worshiped and adored above,
Him you sent to be our Savior;
Made Him sin because of love.
Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior
Reconciled us to our God.
Now He calls to us to join Him;
Walk the path that He has trod.
Christ’s ambassadors in this world,
Sharing how he reconciled
All the world to God the Father,
So we could be made His child.
Shout aloud this gospel message,
Tell the world what God has done.
Reconciliation happens
When you trust in Christ the Son.
Fairest Lord Jesus
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment and give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Corinthians 4.15).
