2 Corinthians 5:11
In 2 Corinthians 5:10, the apostle Paul turns our attention to the judgment, and our accountability before the Lord. The day of judgment will bring great joy for some, yet upon others, it will bestow great terror (Romans 2:4-11). Based upon this knowledge of the terror of the Lord which will be revealed, Paul declares,"...we persuade men..." Let us consider some necessary lessons from this phrase.
What Can We Know Of God's Terror?
It is equal to His goodness. (Romans 11:22) Paul speaks of the goodness and the severity of God (ie. wrath/terror), and treats them as equals on opposite ends of the scale of justice. On those who fell from serving the Lord, His severity is visited. Upon those who continue in His service, His goodness is experienced.
It is equal to His goodness. (Romans 11:22) Paul speaks of the goodness and the severity of God (ie. wrath/terror), and treats them as equals on opposite ends of the scale of justice. On those who fell from serving the Lord, His severity is visited. Upon those who continue in His service, His goodness is experienced.
The Bible gives us several examples of the severity or terror of God. Consider Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2); Korah, Dathan and Abiram (Numbers 15:26-33); the fiery serpents sent upon Israel (Numbers 21:6); Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19); Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5), etc.. The Bible clearly illustrates for us the completeness of God's terror.
The Hebrew writer speaks explicitly, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (10:31), and again, "For our God is a consuming fire."(12:29)
*WE* Persuade Men
Notice, it is we, not angels. (2 Corinthians 4:7, 13) The gospel is carried in earthen vessels -- human beings. The lost are saved by the saved preaching the gospel to them (1 Corinthians 1:21; Romans 1:16-17). Returning the erring Christian to the way of truth is accomplished by his brethren seeking to restore him (James 5:19-20).
More and more it seems that people are looking for supernatural means to accomplish the work of God in saving men. Men seek after dreams, visions, experiences, etc.. The Bible clearly expresses the necessity of human agency in the saving of men, through the preaching of the gospel message (Romans 10:13-14).
Teaching is the exclusive method to bring men to Christ (Luke 16:29, 31). If men will not be won by teaching, they cannot be won to the Lord. How important then that we fulfill our responsibility as the Lord's people! Why then, knowing the terror of the Lord, shall we ever fail in our duty to teach and preach to the lost?
We *PERSUADE* Men
Entrance into the Lord's kingdom is voluntary. None can be forced into the Lord's church. Our duty is to persuade / convince men of the things of God. This is accomplished through sound reason and logical argumentation. We are to ask no man to have a blind faith in an unknown God. The apostle Paul "...went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. But whens ome were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus." (Acts 19:8-9) Our obligation today is like that of Paul's in his day.
Entrance into the Lord's kingdom is voluntary. None can be forced into the Lord's church. Our duty is to persuade / convince men of the things of God. This is accomplished through sound reason and logical argumentation. We are to ask no man to have a blind faith in an unknown God. The apostle Paul "...went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. But whens ome were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus." (Acts 19:8-9) Our obligation today is like that of Paul's in his day.
It is necessary that we be able to defend the faith. Jude exhorted that we"...contend earnestly for the faith..." (Jude 1:3) Peter explained how,"...always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meakness and fear..." (1 Peter 3:15) Thus, we must be capable students of the word (2 Timothy 2:15). We must be equipped for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Timothy 3:16-17).
We Persuade *MEN*
Understand, it is not necessary to persuade the Lord to save man. He is willing (1 Timothy 2:1-4; 2 Peter 3:9). The problem is that man has separated himself from God (Isaiah 59:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Therefore, we must persuade men, by means of the Scriptures to take of the Lord's gracious gift. The Lord would have all come to Him. Thus, let us be busy in the Father's kingdom, persuading men and women to be obedient to the commandment of God, and thus, partaking in the inheritence of the Lord.
Understand, it is not necessary to persuade the Lord to save man. He is willing (1 Timothy 2:1-4; 2 Peter 3:9). The problem is that man has separated himself from God (Isaiah 59:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Therefore, we must persuade men, by means of the Scriptures to take of the Lord's gracious gift. The Lord would have all come to Him. Thus, let us be busy in the Father's kingdom, persuading men and women to be obedient to the commandment of God, and thus, partaking in the inheritence of the Lord.
Paul persuaded men to believe, repent, and be baptized for the remission of sins (Galatians 3:26-27; Romans 6:3-4). He persuaded men to be nothing more or less than a Christian (Acts 26:28). If you have not submitted to the Lord's will, would you not be persuaded today? Might I persuade you to believe in the Christ, turn from the error of your way, and to be immersed with the Lord in baptism, to the saving of your soul? To those who are the saints of God, may we ever be persuaded to persuade men, lest we fall short of His glory.
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