New vision Our focus is not on “outward appearance” (2 Corinthians 5:12 cf. 1 Samuel 16:7). Instead, we learn to see people in the Lord’s way.
From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard Him thus no longer (2 Corinthians 5:16).
New creation How can we hide from people the completely fresh start Jesus offers them?
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17).
When we come into Christ, God forgives us completely (Romans 8:1). He sees us as holy and without a single fault (Colossians 1:22; 1 John 1:7, 9). Indeed, we receive the ultimate righteousness.
For our sake He [the Father] made Him [the Son] to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).
This news is so good, so life-changing, that we must share it. In all the world, in all human history, there is no better news. Jesus and His apostles began the mission. Now, it is our turn, “God making His appeal through us.”
In Christ God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:19-20).
Reconciliation with God fills this life with blessings, then fills all eternity. Anything we make here on earth will burn up (2 Peter 3:10-12). But effective evangelism results in “fruit for eternal life” (John 4:36). When our time here ends, our greatest joy will be to see Jesus in person, being forever “at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). Our second greatest joy will be meeting His people, especially those we helped to bring to heaven. They are our “glory and joy” (1 Thessalonians 2:19 cf. 2 Corinthians 1:14; Philippians 2:16).