TRUE RECONCILIATION 2 CORINTHIANS 5:14-21

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Speak Jesus
2. A Testimony of Healing and the Simplicity of Prayer
3. The Challenge of 2 Corinthians 5:14–21
4. The Meaning of "One Died for All"
5. Refuting Universalism with Conditional Reconciliation
6. God’s View of Sin After Christ
7. Our Role: Ambassadors of Reconciliation
8. The Bank Reconciliation Analogy
9. Redemption: The Fullness of What Christ Did
10. The New Covenant Heart: From Stone to Flesh
11. Communion and the Finished Work
12. Final Invitation and Call to Believe

Introduction: Speak Jesus

Pastor Leonard opens the sermon with praise and worship, focusing on the power and beauty of simply speaking the name “Jesus.” He reflects on the simplicity of prayer, stating that in all the books written on how to pray, the most powerful thing is often just calling on the name of Jesus.

A Testimony of Healing and the Simplicity of Prayer

He shares a personal testimony about being critically ill with COVID-like symptoms. Despite having little faith in that moment, he simply obeyed the Lord's prompting to take communion. He remembers:
“By your stripes I was healed Jesus.”
He woke up completely healed. He emphasizes that God answered not based on his strong belief, but on simple obedience to the finished work of Christ.

The Challenge of 2 Corinthians 5:14–21

Pastor Leonard describes 2 Corinthians 5:14–21 as one of the most challenging and profound scriptures in the New Testament. It addresses and refutes two common theological errors: Calvinistic unconditional election and modern universalism. He insists that this passage makes clear that Christ died for all, but reconciliation is not automatic.

The Meaning of %22One Died for All

2 Corinthians 5:14
"For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:"
This verse indicates that Christ died for every person, and thus all were spiritually dead. Pastor Leonard points out that this alone discredits the idea that salvation is limited to a pre-selected group.

Refuting Universalism with Conditional Reconciliation

2 Corinthians 5:15
"And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again."
This introduces a condition—those who now live must live for Christ. It counters the universalist view that everyone is saved regardless of belief or behavior.

God’s View of Sin After Christ

2 Corinthians 5:19
"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation."
Paul teaches that God no longer takes inventory of sin—He no longer “imputes” it. Pastor Leonard explains that this doesn’t mean everyone is saved, but that God has made the way fully available and sin is no longer the obstacle—it’s now belief.

Our Role: Ambassadors of Reconciliation

2 Corinthians 5:20
"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."
We are called to be Christ’s representatives—sharing this reconciliation. It's not enough to enjoy life’s blessings; every believer has the calling to tell others about the finished work of Jesus.

The Bank Reconciliation Analogy

Pastor Leonard uses the example of reconciling a bank statement. The bank has already done their part, but it’s not reconciled until we match our records. Likewise, God has reconciled the world, but it’s not complete until we accept and believe—signing our side of the contract.

Redemption: The Fullness of What Christ Did

2 Corinthians 5:21
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
Christ became sin so we could be made righteous. Pastor Leonard expands this to include redemption from sin, sickness, disease, and everything tied to the fall.

The New Covenant Heart: From Stone to Flesh

Ezekiel 36:26
"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh."
Pastor Lori explains how this prophecy means God has removed the law-centered heart and replaced it with a grace-centered heart. The stone represents the law—now replaced by the Spirit-led heart of flesh.

Communion and the Finished Work

Matthew 26:26-28
"And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."
Communion is the reminder that the reconciliation was sealed by Jesus’ broken body and shed blood. Pastor Lori leads the congregation in communion, encouraging all to partake with understanding and gratitude.

Final Invitation and Call to Believe

Romans 10:9-10
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
Pastor Lori invites those watching to respond. Believing and confessing is the way we sign the contract, receive salvation, and fully enter into the reconciliation provided.

We hope this article blessed you. Share this teaching with someone who needs to understand that God's love has already made the way. The reconciliation is finished—now it’s up to us to receive it, sign it with our faith, and tell the world the good news of Jesus Christ.