The Riches OF GRACE
“hath appeared to all men.” Titus 2:11
Robert W. Reed
February 2017
Reconciliation
“To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.”
2 Corinthians 5:19
+ Making Peace +
Reconciliation is a word that describes one aspect of our eternal salvation. The great doctrine of Reconciliation is seen throughout the Bible, revealing God’s message to man’s greatest need. Sin separated man from a Holy and Righteous God. Without the truth of Reconciliation no one can be saved, for God had reconciled us to Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ. Let us rejoice in this beautiful message that show God’s love for us. Amen
“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; …” 2 Corinthians 5:18
“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20
In this article we will consider the meaning of Reconciliation, the need of Reconciliation, and the means of Reconciliation.
The Meaning of Reconciliation
Reconciliation means to unite or bring together, to change from enmity to friendship, to restore a relationship or friendship. It is a new relationship between God and man. Reconciliation is the removal of that which stand in the way of peace.
There are many example of Reconciliation in the Holy Scripture: In I Corinthians 7:10-11, there is the reconciliation of a husband and wife that is separated. In Matthew 5:23-24, there is the reconciliation of an offended brother. We see in I Samuel 29:4, the reconciliation of David and Saul. Also, in Ephesians 2:11-22, the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles into one body, which is the church. In Romans 11:15, the truth of the world being reconciled to God. Even Job cried out for a daysman or advocate, who could stand between himself and God (Job 9:33).
In II Corinthians 5:18, the great doctrine of Reconciliation through Jesus Christ is clearly explained. In verse 18 the word Reconciliation is brought forth through the gospel, “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; …” The work of Reconciliation is revealed through the cross in verse 19, “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” Also, the invitation of Reconciliation is seen in verse 20, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.” Last of all, the result of Reconciliation is brought forth in verse 21, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (that is imputed righteousness).
We who are Christians are ambassadors for Christ and must be diligent in carrying out the ministry of Reconciliation, committed to our trust, that is preach the Gospel of Peace.
The Need of Reconciliation
According to Isaiah 59:2, our sins have separated us from a Holy God. Instead of peace, there is a state of hostility existing which result in separation and alienation. In the Garden of Eden, fellowship between God and man was broken, (Genesis 3:7-24). From that time onward there was enmity, Romans 5:10, “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Divine wrath has been pronounced upon humanity (Romans 1:18; 2:5; 3:19; 4:25; 5:1-6; John 3:18.16). This is the reason the Old Testament foretold of a coming Messiah to bring deliverance and redemption to humanity. In Daniel 9:24, we have a clear description of Christ’s accomplishments on Calvary’s Cross, “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.”
Keep in mind, we were not only without strength before salvation, but were considered as ungodly, sinners, and enemies of God in Romans 5:5-10, “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”
The Means of Reconciliation
In Romans 5:10-11, Reconciliation is accomplished through the atoning work of Christ. Atonement is akin to Reconciliation, it is a term to describe how that Reconciliation came about (the blood). Atonement is the cause of Reconciliation and Reconciliation is the result of Atonement. In other words, Reconciliation is the bringing together of two things and Atonement is the shedding of blood for sins.
In I Timothy 2:3-7, Christ is our mediator, He is our go between, peace maker, middleman, our umpire. According to Hebrews 2:7-10 (3:18) Jesus Christ took upon human flesh so He could reconcile mankind to God, verse 17, “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” It is by the cross all are reconciled (Ephesians 2:11-15), and it is by the cross that we now have peace, who were once alienated and enemies (Colossians 1:20-22). God took the initiative to reconcile through a mediator. The world is now savable because of Christ and this is why in II Corinthians 5:20, we are told to “Be ye reconciled.”
Conclusion
In II Corinthians 6:2, we have these words, “(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.), this is quotation from Isaiah 49:8, “Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; …” These Scriptures have to do with the Resurrection of Christ and God accepts His sacrifice for sins. It is a promise that the Lord would sustain Him in the time of His ministry. The questions is, Will you accept His sacrifice for sins as the mediator between God and man? This is God’s own means for salvation to all humanity, be ye Reconciled.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31
Victory Baptist Church
Pastor Robert W. Reed
14473 Bellingrath Road
P.O. Box 257
Coden, Alabama 36523