Reconciliation, in the biblical context, refers to the restoration of a harmonious relationship between God and humanity, which was fractured by sin. This concept is central to Christian theology and is intricately linked to the doctrines of atonement, forgiveness, and salvation.

Biblical Foundation

The need for reconciliation arises from the fall of man, as described in Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve's disobedience led to a separation from God. Sin created a barrier between the holy God and sinful humanity, necessitating a means of restoration. The Apostle Paul articulates this need and the provision for reconciliation in several of his epistles.

In Romans 5:10-11 , Paul writes, "For if, while we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life! Not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation." This passage highlights that reconciliation is made possible through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which bridges the gap between God and man.

The Role of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is central to the process of reconciliation. His atoning sacrifice on the cross is the means by which reconciliation is achieved. In 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 , Paul explains, "All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation."

Christ's role as the mediator is further emphasized in 1 Timothy 2:5-6 : "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all—the testimony that was given at just the right time." Through His death and resurrection, Jesus satisfies the requirements of divine justice, allowing for the forgiveness of sins and the restoration of fellowship with God.

Human Response

Reconciliation requires a response from humanity. It involves repentance, faith, and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In Acts 3:19 , Peter calls for repentance: "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away." Faith in Christ is essential, as stated in Ephesians 2:8 : "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God."

The Ministry of Reconciliation

Believers are called to participate in the ministry of reconciliation. As recipients of God's grace, Christians are tasked with spreading the message of reconciliation to others. In 2 Corinthians 5:20 , Paul exhorts, "Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God."

Eternal Implications

Reconciliation with God has eternal implications. It not only restores the relationship between God and man in this life but also secures eternal life with God. Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Through reconciliation, believers are assured of their place in God's eternal kingdom, free from the penalty and power of sin.

In summary, reconciliation between God and man is a profound theological concept that underscores the Christian message of redemption and hope. It is made possible through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ and requires a response of faith and repentance from humanity. Believers are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation, sharing the transformative power of the gospel with the world.Leviticus 8:15
And he slew it; and Moses took the blood, and put it on the horns of the altar round about with his finger, and purified the altar, and poured the blood at the bottom of the altar, and sanctified it, to make reconciliation on it.
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Ezekiel 45:15
And one lamb out of the flock, out of two hundred, out of the fat pastures of Israel; for a meat offering, and for a burnt offering, and for peace offerings, to make reconciliation for them, said the Lord GOD.
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Daniel 9:24
Seventy weeks are determined on your people and on your 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.
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Romans 5:1,10
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
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Romans 11:15
For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
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2 Corinthians 5:18-21
And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
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Ephesians 2:15-18
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of two one new man, so making peace;
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Colossians 1:20-22
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things to himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
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Hebrews 2:17
Why in all things it behooved him to be made like to his brothers, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
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Not a Divine-Human Nature.
... the Mediator equally between the Jews and the Gentiles; and also between all things
that need reconciliation and mediation; as between God and man, spirit and ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxv not a divine-human nature.htm

1 John iv. 9-10
... the turning point in the relation of man to God; that whereby sin ceases to be the
separating wall between man and God,"the reconciliation (expiation) for sin ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john iv 10-sep.htm

Jefferson -- the Reconciliation
... reconciliation, or, to put it in a way that will be intelligible to all the boys
and girls, I want to think with you about the "making up" between God and man. ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/jefferson the reconciliation.htm

Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant
... The union between God and man, which the Covenant aims at, was wrought out in Him
personally; in Him the reconciliation between the human and Divine was ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter x jesus the mediator.htm

Let us have Peace
... So, there being this antagonism and separation between God and man, the Gospel ... from
out of the condition of hostility into the condition of reconciliation. ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/let us have peace.htm

Whether we were Reconciled to God through Christ's Passion?
... For there is no need of reconciliation between friends ... in two ways the cause of our
reconciliation to God ... the proper effect of sacrifice to appease God: just as ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether we were reconciled to.htm

Justification.
... and high and tender relation that exists between God and man. ... for the making of heroes
in the Kingdom of God? ... That is just what we teach; reconciliation in His ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/cxxx justification.htm

1 John ii. 1, 2
... which he labored on earth for the reconciliation of sinful ... him, is brought into union
with God as a ... This connection between the living Christ and what he once ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john ii 1 2.htm

Whether Grace Implies Anything in the Soul?
... Reply to Objection 2: God is the life of the ... Now there is no medium between form
and matter, since ... remission of sins, and peace for our reconciliation with God ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether grace implies anything in.htm

Whether Grace Denotes Something in the Soul
... On the second point: God is the life of the soul as its ... [35] There is no medium between
a form ... is for the remission of sins, and peace for reconciliation to God ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article one whether grace denotes.htm

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