Rejoice

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 13

Yesterday we saw that the goal of discipline is restoration. Paul had been harsh and stern with the Corinthian Church. In many respects, they responded well. There had been repentance. Paul was helping them to see that what he was aiming for in his rebuke, and what they should strive for after their repentance was not perpetual grief.

We are led by the Spirit to see and feel deep remorse for our sin. But that is not meant to be the endpoint. Once we see our sin, we are to turn from it and see our Savior. We are to experience forgiveness and restoration in Him. That in turn should be the catalyst for new joy. Grace makes us happy people. Rejoice in the Lord because you have been forgiven.

This is why Paul writes in 13:11, “Finally brothers, rejoice…”

Finally (because it was the end of his letter), but finally because in Christ it is the restoration of our soul.