devotional post # 2174

2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2

2Co 5:20 For this reason, we are envoys in behalf of Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you in behalf of Christ, make friends with God.
2Co 5:21 In behalf of us, he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2Co 6:1 Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God without result.
2Co 6:2 Because he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of deliverance I have helped you.” Notice, now is the favorable time; notice, now is the day of deliverance.

grace without result

Paul warned the Corinthians not to receive the grace of God without result. Christ had been sent from the Father to die for all “that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised” (5:15). To receive God’s grace and then to keep on living for ourselves would be grace without result. Paul and his team had followed the call to missionary service, and reached out to the Corinthians with the message of God’s grace. Now it was the Corinthians’ turn to answer that call. If they continue to receive God’s grace in word only, without a corresponding change in their lives, soon the day of deliverance will be over, and the day of judgment would visit them.

LORD, show us how to live for you, while there is still time.