I’m Saved A Whole Lot
“The Indescribable Abundance of Salvation”
2 Corinthians 5: 17-21

Introduction
In our last study we considered the Salvation of Man. Of all that I have received in this life, I am most appreciative for my salvation. I often ponder my salvation, trying to comprehend all that I have been given through this gracious gift of God. I have been saved for almost 30 years now, and I will admit that it is still beyond my ability to fully grasp all that I have received. The grace of God and His redemptive plan for sinful humanity is beyond our ability to fully understand.

We will likely never fully grasp the magnitude of God’s abundant grace, but that should never hinder our gratitude and thanksgiving for all that we have received in Christ. Paul enjoyed a ministry of abundance, but he never lost sight of what he had received in Christ. He never got far from the foot of the cross, and was ever grateful for the grace that was extended to him. Consider the thoughts of John MacArthur:
“Paul was overwhelmed with gratitude that the eternal, holy God sent His Son to die as a substitute to pay the penalty for his sins. That marvelous truth left him no room for selfcongratulation, as if he had contributed something to his salvation. But Christ’s death did not merely put him in a position to be saved; it procured his salvation. From that reality flows reconciliation, justification, forgiveness of sin, peace with God, and deliverance from wrath and judgment. Paul desired above all else to live for the One who sovereignly and graciously redeemed him through His blood.” I

I want to examine this passage and consider the conclusions Paul describes in regard to our salvation as we think on: The Indescribable Abundance of Salvation.

I. Salvation Brings Regeneration (v. 17)
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. We have already examined the state of man without God. He is apart from God, a sinner. But, God in His mercy and grace provided a means for all to be saved. This is accomplished through a new birth in the Lord Jesus. Jesus said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Simple enough, but what is being born again? Nicodemus said, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” That would be miraculous, but our new birth is an even greater miracle! It isn’t a physical birth, it’s spiritual birth. It is so deep, so clear, and so complete, that we become a new creation in Christ.

It is at this new birth that the old nature of sin dies and we are reborn into a life of righteousness. At the moment of salvation, all things become new. The desires, anger, hatred, envy, jealousy, of the old man have been replaced with newness of life in Christ. Life is now filled with a desire to serve God, a love for others, and a hope for the future.

Regeneration isn’t just an outward change; man is completely and eternally changed, (caterpillar and butterfly). The saved man now has a new heart, new eyes to see, new feet to walk, new hands to work, and a new voice to speak. Only in Christ; what a change!

I. Salvation Brings Regeneration (17)
II. Salvation Brings Reconciliation (v. 18-19)
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

[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. With our regeneration, that new birth, comes reconciliation. It is through salvation that fellowship between God and man is restored. God is holy and righteous and cannot accept sin. As long as we are in sin there is no fellowship; we are condemned, separated. The blood that Jesus shed for us reconciled us to God. We have been cleared of all guilt. The sin that we clearly were guilty of has been forgiven. God didn’t lay the charges of sin to man, but Christ Himself bore our sin.

Our sin wasn’t imputed to us, simply “wasn’t put to our account”, V.19. We were the guilty, but we have been reconciled. Consider the thought: the Innocent became guilty so the guilty could become innocent. Jesus is the only way to be reconciled. He restored what sin had lost. Col.1:2021 – And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. [21] And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled: We are now heirs of God, accepted in the beloved. I am one of His own! I now enjoy fellowship with Father and Son.

III. Salvation Brings Righteousness (v. 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. Our reconciliation is achieved through Christ; One who is holy, sinless, undefiled. The life I once lived was full of sin, disappointment, and shame. No matter how I tried to present myself as a good person, the fact remained, I was a sinner. My righteousness was of no value. The righteousness of man does not measure up to God’s standard. Is.64:6 – But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. You can live as good as anyone, but all of it put together will still fall short.

When Jesus became our Substitute on the cross, those who trust in Him now have His righteousness. I don’t live a life above sin, but I do live in the righteousness of God. Now when the Father looks at me, He sees the righteousness of His beloved Son. Because of that, we can live a victorious life, free from the penalty of sin and death. Satan may remind you of the sins of your past, but they are now under the blood. The saved have been made righteous in Jesus!

IV. Salvation Brings Responsibility (v. 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. You have often heard: membership has its privileges. I thank God for the privileges associated with salvation, the ability to pray, the indwelling of the Spirit, peace in my soul, the hope of heaven, etc… But, along with those privileges come responsibilities. The saved are part of the family of God. We are royal ambassadors to the King. We are representatives of God.

Ambassadors are sent out under the sovereign power of the nation they represent. They do not promote their own agenda, but are sent to make known the wishes of their sovereign. It thrills me to know that I represent the risen Lord. All that I do should reflect the will of God. Every Christian should be aware of his responsibility to serve and honor Christ. We are obligated to honor Jesus in all we do! 1 Tim.4:16 – Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. Let us represent our Savior well in a dark and sinful world.

Salvation is essential to reach heaven. Man in himself can never achieve what is required. At the moment of salvation, we receive all that is needed to enter an eternity with the Lord. All of the qualities we’ve looked at work together. Do you possess these qualities? If not, I urge you to come. Salvation is the only way!

Lesson Prepared By:
Dr. Antione K. Eakins, Sr.  Pastor/Teacher