The new creation is God's work; it's not a human achievement. God is making all things right, beginning with people, just as He promised in the Old Testament. He is fulfilling His covenant promise of creating a new people for Himself, composed of both Jews and Gentiles. Thus, those who believe in His Son are also being reconciled with Him. Furthermore, Paul and his companions are given the ministry of reconciliation to share the wonderful message that God is reconciling them to Himself through the once-and-for-all sacrifice of Christ on the cross.