Lutheran Lens Commentary: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Lutheran Lens Reading of 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Tradition-Specific Interpretation

We read 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 through the lens of Law and Gospel, seeing the Law expose our inability to perceive Christ rightly 'according to the flesh' and the Gospel proclaiming the new creation in Christ. The passage declares that in Christ, God is reconciling the world to Himself, not counting our trespasses against us. This is pure Gospel, delivering the promise of reconciliation through Christ's atoning work, which we receive by faith alone. The passage culminates in the powerful declaration of the 'ministry of reconciliation' entrusted to us, which is fundamentally rooted in what God has accomplished in Christ, not in our efforts or merits.

Key Language Decisions

In the Greek, the term 'καταλλάσσων' (reconciling) is crucial, as it emphasizes that reconciliation is God's action, not ours. The phrase 'νέα κτίσις' (new creation) indicates a complete transformation brought about by God's grace. The Lutheran tradition emphasizes these terms to highlight the unilateral action of God in the Gospel, ensuring that the focus remains on what God has done through Christ rather than on human initiative. This underscores our commitment to justification by faith alone, rooted in God's gracious activity.

Where Traditions Diverge

Our Lutheran reading differs from Reformed traditions, which may emphasize the 'ministry of reconciliation' as a call to human effort and mission. We see it as primarily a declaration of what God has accomplished in Christ. Unlike Catholic interpretations that might involve human cooperation in reconciliation, we emphasize God's unilateral action and the forensic nature of justification. This distinction matters because it preserves the purity of the Gospel as God's work alone.

Pastoral Application

In preaching this passage, a Lutheran Lens pastor should emphasize the unconditional promise of reconciliation in Christ, highlighting how God has acted decisively to bring about our new identity as a new creation. The congregation should be assured that their status before God is secure because of Christ's work, not their own. The pastoral message should underscore our baptismal identity as those who live in the reality of being both saint and sinner. We are called to bear witness to this reconciliation, not as a burden, but as a joyful proclamation of God's grace.

Cross-References: Romans 5:10-11; Galatians 3:27-28; Ephesians 2:14-16; Colossians 1:19-22; Philippians 3:8-9

Doctrinal Connections: justification by faith alone; the theology of the cross; Christ as the sole reconciler; simul justus et peccator; the ministry of reconciliation