SUBJ: The benefits of reconciliation realized in the present state of presentation.

AIM: That we rest in the accomplishment of Christ in securing a proper presentation

INTR:
1. Consider that perhaps there should be a study of presentation in its various aspects.
2. That we should be concerned with being presentable. A concern in temporal things. Much more that we should desire to present ourselves properly. Paul wanted to properly present: 2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. AND, the future with our Lord: Hebrews 2:13: And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.
3. In this passage Paul explains the substance and aim of his ministry. Especially he is concerned with presenting his converts. (See vv 23,25)

THESIS: The work of grace in us addresses a terrible need as well as a glorious purpose and both are resolved with the same marvelous work

I. The Need of Reconciliation
1. That a state of alienation exists before regeneration is scriptural fact. See Romans 1:30 “Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,”
2. Especially note the hatred of God. This along with the requirement of holiness necessitates reconciliation.
3. The manifestation of it is clear: Titus 1:15-16 “Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”
4. And such were some of you and c. Titus 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

II. The Mandate and the Means of Reconciliation
1. The mandate: 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. 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. 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. 2 Corinthians 5:19-21
2. The body of His death – He was made flesh that He might suffer death in our stead.
3. Compare vv 14, 20, and 22. The means of redemption brings reconciliation.
4. The “how” of reconciliation required full atonement. God was in Christ effecting it.

III. The Reason of the work of reconciliation is realized in presentation.
1. Holy – Sanctified
1) Constituted as Holy – made Holy with His purity – Christ in us.
2) Purpose is realized: Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
2. Unblameable
1) Paul’s concern: Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
2) The design of Christ: Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
3) The exhortation of Peter: 2 Peter 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. – Seeking to be separated.
3. Unreproveable – that is exonerated (relieved of responsibility)
1) Not to be accused By God
2) Not to be accused by Self – Repentance brings forgiveness and cleansing, but not presumption.
3) Not to be accused by Satan – Note that the accuser assumes that the hearer will have an interest in condemning the accused.

IV. The Evidence of Reconciliation
1. Continuing in the faith (the “if” is one of validity, not a condition of salvation.)
2. Not moved away from “the hope of the Gospel.
3. The same Gospel is preached to all and is embraced fully by those presented to the Lord.