Answers to Bible Questions
Scriptures are from the KJB
(Q) Does II Corinthians 5:19 mean that all humanity has been forgiven of their sins by what Christ accomplished at Calvary?
(A) NO, this is a mistaken view about that verse which says: 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.
While God has indeed paid the penalty for the sins of the world through the finished work of Christ at Calvary, forgiveness is not granted to the sinner until he responds to God in faith, believing that Christ died for his sins and rose again. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). We concur that God is not imputing sin today under grace, but this in no way implies that He will not take up the sin question in a future day.
The last part of verse 19 in II Corinthian 5 says: “and hath committed unto *US* (BELIEVERS) the word of reconciliation.”
In other words, redemption is unlimited; Christ paid the penalty for the sins of the world. A provision has been made for all, but you must BELLIEVE in the finished work that Christ accomplished for you at Calvary to be forgiven of your sins. This is what God calls reconciliation.
II Corinthian 5:20-21 tells us: 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.. What Christ accomplished at Calvary DOES NOT automatically forgive the sins of humanity. Each person is responsible to be reconciled back to God by believing the gospel recorded in I Corinthians 15:1-4. When a person BELIEVES the gospel, then their sins are forgiven by what Christ accomplished for us
Eternity in the lake of fire could never satisfy the righteous demands of a Holy God in payment for sin; only the Cross could accomplish this on behalf of the sinner. Therefore, Calvary removed all the barriers, making it possible for God to reconcile an alienated world unto Himself at Calvary.
TODAY, to be reconciled back to God, you must believe that what Christ did for you at Calvary, paid the full price for your sins to be saved; it does not automatically apply until you BELIEVE.
Below are some scriptures showing belief is Essential for salvation:
Ephesians 1:13-14: 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Romans 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
Romans 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Romans 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Romans 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Romans 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
Romans 10:9 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.
1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
1 Corinthians 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
Galatians 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
Salvation is not to be achieved; rather it must be received by believing in the finished work of Christ at calvary.
Have a wonderful day,
John
