Topical Bible: Reconcilation

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Definition and Concept:
Reconciliation in the biblical context refers to the restoration of a broken relationship between humanity and God, as well as between individuals. It is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing the removal of enmity and the establishment of peace through the atoning work of Jesus Christ.

Old Testament Background:
The concept of reconciliation is rooted in the Old Testament sacrificial system, where offerings were made to atone for sin and restore fellowship with God. The Hebrew word "kaphar," often translated as "atonement," carries the idea of covering or cleansing sin to reconcile the sinner with God. Leviticus 16 describes the Day of Atonement, a significant event where the high priest made atonement for the people, symbolizing reconciliation with God.

New Testament Fulfillment:
In the New Testament, reconciliation is fully realized through Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul articulates this in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 : "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."

The Role of Jesus Christ:
Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross is the means by which reconciliation is achieved. Romans 5:10 states, "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!" Through His death and resurrection, Jesus removed the barrier of sin, allowing believers to be reconciled to God.

Human Response:
Reconciliation requires a response of faith and repentance from individuals. It involves acknowledging one's sinfulness, accepting Christ's atoning sacrifice, and entering into a restored relationship with God. This transformation is described in Colossians 1:21-22 : "Once you were alienated from God and were hostile in your minds because of your evil deeds. But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy, unblemished, and blameless in His presence."

Interpersonal Reconciliation:
The reconciliation believers experience with God also extends to their relationships with others. Ephesians 2:14-16 highlights this aspect: "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility."

The Ministry of Reconciliation:
Believers are called to be agents of reconciliation in the world. As ambassadors for Christ, they are tasked with spreading the message of reconciliation, urging others to be reconciled to God. This mission is encapsulated in 2 Corinthians 5:20 : "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."

Conclusion:
Reconciliation is a profound and transformative aspect of the Christian faith, emphasizing the restoration of peace and fellowship with God through Jesus Christ. It calls believers to live out this reconciliation in their relationships with others and to actively participate in the ministry of reconciliation.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

A change from enmity to friendship. It is mutual, i.e., it is a change wrought in both parties who have been at enmity.

(1.) In Colossians 1:21, 22, the word there used refers to a change wrought in the personal character of the sinner who ceases to be an enemy to God by wicked works, and yields up to him his full confidence and love. In 2 Corinthians 5:20 the apostle beseeches the Corinthians to be "reconciled to God", i.e., to lay aside their enmity.

(2.) Romans 5:10 refers not to any change in our disposition toward God, but to God himself, as the party reconciled. Romans 5:11 teaches the same truth. From God we have received "the reconciliation" (R.V.), i.e., he has conferred on us the token of his friendship. So also 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19 speaks of a reconciliation originating with God, and consisting in the removal of his merited wrath. In Ephesians 2:16 it is clear that the apostle does not refer to the winning back of the sinner in love and loyalty to God, but to the restoration of God's forfeited favour. This is effected by his justice being satisfied, so that he can, in consistency with his own nature, be favourable toward sinners. Justice demands the punishment of sinners. The death of Christ satisfies justice, and so reconciles God to us. This reconciliation makes God our friend, and enables him to pardon and save us. (see ATONEMENT.)

Library

Chapter xxxiii
... CHAPTER XXXIII. 9. Reconcilation with Esau; Settlement in Canaan (33:1-20)
The chapter as a whole furnishes an outstanding example ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiii.htm

I Prefer, He Says, to Receive Christ's Baptism Where Both Parties ...
... And what they themselves think that they conferred on those persons whom Felicianus
baptized in schism, when they admitted them to reconcilation with themselves ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 5 6 i.htm