The Greatest Deal Ever Made
(2 Corinthians 5:14–21)
The gospel of Jesus Christ reveals the greatest deal ever offered to humanity. God's love for us compelled Him to make an extraordinary exchange: Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, took on the penalty for our sins so that we might receive forgiveness and eternal life. This truth is the cornerstone of our faith and a testament to God's unending grace and justice.
God’s Love Compels the Exchange
2 Corinthians 5:14–15 states:
"For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again."
God’s love was so overwhelming that He sent His only Son into the world to reconcile us to Himself. John 3:16 affirms:
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
This exchange is foundational: Jesus bore the punishment for our sins and gave us His righteousness in return. Romans 5:8 highlights the depth of God’s love:
"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
What Was Exchanged?
- Christ’s Sinlessness for Our Sin
2 Corinthians 5:21 explains this transaction:
"God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God."
This does not mean Christ became a sinner; rather, God imputed (credited) our sins to Jesus. He bore the wrath of God for our sin on the cross, satisfying divine justice. In exchange, His righteousness is credited to us, allowing us to stand justified before a holy God.
The Reconciliation of Humanity
Reconciliation was necessary because of humanity's rebellion. Romans 3:23 states:
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
This rebellion created a chasm between God and humanity, but God acted to bridge the divide. 2 Corinthians 5:18–19 explains:
"All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation."
Reconciliation was not something we could achieve on our own terms. It is God’s initiative and accomplishment. By faith in Christ, we receive the reconciliation He offers.
Ambassadors for Christ
Believers are given a new identity in Christ and entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:20 describes this role:
"We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God."
As ambassadors, we represent Christ to the world, sharing the gospel message that peace with God is available through Jesus.
Biblical Illustration of Imputation
The letter of Philemon provides a powerful analogy of imputation. Onesimus, a runaway slave who wronged his master Philemon, was reconciled through the Apostle Paul’s intervention. Paul wrote to Philemon:
"If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back." (Philemon 1:18-19)
Similarly, Jesus takes the debt of our sin upon Himself and pays it in full. In return, we are reconciled to God, and His righteousness is credited to us.
The Motivation for Living in Christ
Paul teaches that believers should no longer live for themselves but for Christ. Galatians 2:20 captures this transformed life:
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Living for Christ means letting His love, guidance, and Spirit direct our actions, attitudes, and decisions.
The Greatest Deal’s Eternal Impact
- We Are New Creations
When we believe in Christ, we are made new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares:
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" - We Are Secured in Christ
Salvation is eternal. John 10:28 assures:
"I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand." - We Are Justified by Faith
Justification is God declaring us righteous based on Christ’s work. Romans 5:1 says:
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." - We Await Future Rewards
At the Bema Seat of Christ, believers will give an account of their service. 2 Corinthians 5:10 reminds us:
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."
This is not a judgment of condemnation but a reward for faithful service.
A Call to Action: Be Reconciled to God
The greatest deal ever made requires a response. Paul’s plea in 2 Corinthians 5:20 is clear:
"We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God."
To accept this offer, believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, repent of your sins, and commit your life to Him.
Prayer of Reconciliation
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the greatest deal ever made—the exchange of Christ’s righteousness for my sin. I acknowledge that I have sinned and fallen short of Your glory. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and rose again, offering me eternal life.
Your Word says in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” I trust in Your promise that I am a new creation in Christ, forgiven and reconciled to You.
Lord, help me to live for You and not for myself. Empower me by Your Holy Spirit to be an ambassador for Christ, sharing the message of reconciliation with others. Thank You for Your grace, love, and the gift of eternal life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Conclusion
The gospel is the greatest deal ever made - Christ took our sin and gave us His righteousness. It’s a gift we could never earn or repay. Let us live with gratitude, sharing the message of reconciliation and embracing our new identity in Christ. This is the good news the world needs to hear.
REV. CHARLIE TAYLOR, used with permission.
http://charlietaylorministries.com/the-greatest-deal-ever-made/