Reconciliation

Let us consider a thought from the Word of God.  The thought under consideration is that of being reconciled to God.  Notice a verse that presents this thought: (2 Cor 5:18) And all things are of God, Who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.  In this portion of God’s Word we find that the Apostle Paul is pointing out a fact concerning the relationship between the Church at Corinth and God.  We notice that the Apostle states that God reconciled them unto Himself by Jesus Christ.

What then does it mean to be reconciled to God?  The word reconciled, as it is used in verse 18, means a thorough change has occurred.  The verse given states that God reconciled these unto Himself by Jesus Christ.  Applying the meaning of reconciliation we learn God thoroughly changed these unto Himself by Jesus Christ.  When two are reconciled together, they are joined.  We find then that there was a bond formed between these and God by Jesus Christ.  Jesus Christ is the rejoining factor.

Jesus Christ suffered on behalf of mankind that He might rejoin them to God.  Notice a verse that teaches this point: (Heb 2:17) 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.  Christ gave Himself that we through Him could be brought into an actual, real relationship with God.

When God and mankind are joined, they are in fellowship with each other.  Notice the statement made in this verse: (1 John 1:3) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.  If one is in fellowship with God it is because they have been reconciled, or thoroughly changed, unto Him by Jesus Christ.

Reconciliation between God and man is frequently denied in doctrine and practice.  Teaching that feeling the presence of the Lord in our life is only a form of self-stimulation denies the doctrine of reconciliation.  This is the false-doctrine of keeping God at a distance without reconciliation at all.  Notice how the scriptures over turn this teaching: (1 John 1:4) And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.  If we experience “joy” from having fellowship with God, would we not have to conclude that the “joy” is something we feel?  Consider another verse relating to this point: (1 Pet 1:8) Whom having not seen, ye love; in Whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.  Joy unspeakable and full of glory points out that feelings certainly accompany truly believing on the Lord.

Christ, Who is fully God, became man.  He took upon Himself flesh and blood. He was tempted in all points as we are yet He never sinned.  In Christ we find God and humanity joined together.  Through His innocent death the law of sin and death is fully satisfied.  Notice this profound teaching: (Rom 8:2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  In Christ we find the Law of the Spirit of Life.  This law works to reunite men and women, who are fully worthy of the righteous wrath of God, to the holy and incorruptible Father.  Christ did not become a picture of a man but He became a real man.  When we find God and man united in Christ’s own person we learn that there is a real union that occurred between God and man.  Let us be careful to fully realize that reconciliation with God is a real condition brought about by the sacrificial offering of Jesus Christ.  By total confidence in Him, all of lost mankind can be united with God and live their lives in fellowship with Him.