In 2 Corinthians 5 Paul expounds the doctrine of peace with God, emphasizing that believers serve as ambassadors for Christ. Vain human attempts to earn favor with God contrast sharply with the unilateral act of divine grace where Christ bears the penalty for our sin. Both lost individuals and existing believers are urged by Paul to accept this declared peace rather than negotiate or doubt it. By highlighting the permanence of Christ's atonement, the message aims to comfort the faithful and convict the unbelieving. Ultimately, Paul calls for a constant reliance on the finished work of Jesus to maintain spiritual assurance.