Topical Bible: Reconciliation With God: Effected for Men: While Enemies to God

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Reconciliation with God is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing the restoration of a broken relationship between humanity and the divine. This reconciliation is made possible through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ, even while humans are considered enemies of God due to sin.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of reconciliation is deeply rooted in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In Romans 5:10, Paul articulates the profound nature of this reconciliation: "For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!" . This verse underscores the transformative power of Christ's death, which bridges the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity.

Humanity as Enemies of God

The notion of being "enemies" to God is a stark reminder of the inherent sinfulness and rebellion of mankind. Sin creates a barrier that separates humans from God, as described in Isaiah 59:2: "But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear." This enmity is not merely passive but is characterized by active opposition to God's will and righteousness.

Christ's Sacrificial Role

The reconciliation effected by Christ is not based on human merit but solely on divine grace. Ephesians 2:13-16 explains, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. 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." . Here, the cross is depicted as the instrument through which peace and unity are achieved, dissolving the hostility between God and man.

The Role of Faith

While reconciliation is initiated by God, it requires a response of faith from individuals. Romans 5:1 states, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." . Faith is the means by which individuals accept the gift of reconciliation, leading to justification and peace with God.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

Believers are called to participate in the ministry of reconciliation, as outlined in 2 Corinthians 5:18-20: "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. 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." . This passage highlights the responsibility of Christians to share the message of reconciliation, acting as ambassadors for Christ in a world estranged from God.

Conclusion

Reconciliation with God, while humanity is still in a state of enmity, is a testament to the boundless love and grace of God. Through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, the barrier of sin is removed, and a path is opened for restored fellowship with the Creator. This divine initiative calls for a response of faith and a commitment to the ministry of reconciliation, inviting others to experience the peace and unity found in Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether God's Mercy Suffers at Least Men to be Punished Eternally?
... be included or to remain in this reconciliation effected by Christ ... since no other
way of reconciliation is given ... that they may be converted to God, while it is ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether gods mercy suffers at.htm

The Antiquity of the Doctrine
... These are foes with whom there can be no reconciliation. ... investigation of its cause,
then will God himself be ... Its completion is not effected by the counsels of ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/5 the antiquity of the.htm

The King.
... change in his own position which had been effected. ... strife between the tribes of
God's inheritance should ... known him, and sealing the reconciliation which Death ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/ix the king.htm

Evans -- the Fall and Recovery of Man
... to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Glory to God, for the death of His Son,
by which this enmity is slain, and reconciliation is effected between the ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/evans the fall and.htm

The Universal Chorus
... having made peace by the blood of His cross, He has effected a reconciliation, not
only ... They are devoted to God, filled with zeal for His honour, and wait ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon l the universal chorus.htm

On Sin in Believers
... this could not be, if any of the carnal mind remained; for this is enmity against
God: Consequently, no reconciliation can be effected, but by ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 13 on sin in.htm

John xvii. 14
... put in us the word of reconciliation." ( 2 Corinthians ... did He effect this?" Certainly
He effected it ... Consider what opportunities of doing good God hath given to ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxxii john xvii 14.htm

Book ix. In the Last Book we Treated of the Indistinguishable ...
... emptied Himself to become Christ the man, while continuing to ... receive: but he is
one from whom men will expect ... And when he ranked the love of God even higher ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book ix in the last.htm

The Priesthood of Christ
... When, therefore, this reconciliation was effected, he asked of ... We intreat thee, O
holy and indulgent God, that thou wouldst forever continue to us these ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration iv the priesthood of.htm

John Chapter xv. 17-19.
... of mercy, whereof that world of reconciliation is composed ... the world out of the world,
effected for Himself ... in itself, namely, the workmanship of God, and the ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lxxxvii john chapter xv.htm