Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 25, 2018

“The Great Exchange”   2 Corinthians 5:18-21   Bible Study   03/25/18

This morning, as we reflect on the cross of Jesus and look forward to His resurrection celebration on Easter, we will turn our attention to a key NT text regarding the substitutionary nature of Christ’s death. Set in the context of his apostolic defense and articulation of ministry, Paul emphasizes both the compelling love of Christ and the reconciling initiative of God the Father behind it. At the heart of our experience of Christ’s love and reconciliation with God is the “great exchange” vividly described in 5:21. In the reconciling plan of God, Jesus took our place so that we might have His peace.

I. Recognize the source of reconciliation (18-19)

• “All this” in 5:18 points back to 5:14-17
• compelling love and new creation
• the agent of reconciliation: through Christ
• having reconciled…having given…
• expansion: not counting trespasses and depositing the word

II. Respond to the summons for reconciliation (20)

• ambassadors through whom appeal is made
• imploring believers to be reconciled
• reminder: God reconciles. Man is reconciled.

III. Savor the substance of reconciliation (21)

• the One not having known sin
• for us/for our sake He (God) made Him (Christ) to be sin
• that we might become the righteousness of God in Him
• Isa. 53:10, Rom. 5:6-11, Gal. 3:13

IV. So What?

• “If our Lord’s bearing our sin for us is not the gospel, I have no gospel to preach.” (Spurgeon)
• “Bearing shame and scoffing rude, in my place condemned He stood, sealed my pardon with his blood: Hallelujah, what a Savior!” (P. Bliss)
• In Psalm 103, David’s enumeration of the Lord’s benefits begins with forgiveness of sins. He understood what is of greatest importance. If we have everything but God’s forgiveness, we have nothing of worth. (Carson)
• Keep on preaching the gospel to yourself.