Confidence In The Ministry of Reconciliation

2 Cor. 5 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.         This sums up the Christian life. Not that it is meant to remain ambiguous, but it is meant to sweep across our thoughts and practice. Paul tells the Corinthians that although the earthly tent they now reside in is wasting away, they know that they have a building from God that is eternal. They groan, but not in futility or in vain, but in joyful expectation. They are waiting for the redemption of their bodies from the sin-filled world. Although it is good to be with the Lord in spirit, this is not it. We are meant to be redeemed wholly - body and soul.         Where does this confidence come from? Verse 5 tells us that the Spirit has been given as a guarantee for this reality to take place. Much like Romans 8:23, the Spirit groans as we wait patiently for this redemption and adoption by God. We do not lose hope of this reality, we are of good courage because of the agent of faith working confidence in us.         However, the time has not yet come because the ministry of reconciliation has not been completed. God has entrusted his people with the message that men everywhere be reconciled to their Maker. 14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. We want men to no longer live to themselves - that is, in slavery to their temporary passions - but towards God. We have a great message to not only share, but impart for the sake of God’s Name and people’s everlasting joy.