Topical Bible: Reconciliation With God: Effected for Men: Yet Sinners

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Reconciliation with God is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing the restoration of the broken relationship between humanity and the divine due to sin. This reconciliation is made possible through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ, who, while humanity was still in a state of sin, provided the means for restoration and peace with God.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of reconciliation is deeply rooted in the New Testament, where it is presented as a divine initiative. Romans 5:8-10 states, "But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him! 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!"

This passage highlights the profound love and grace of God, who, despite humanity's sinful state, provided a means of reconciliation through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ. The initiative is entirely God's, underscoring His desire to restore fellowship with His creation.

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. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 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."

Through Christ, God does not count humanity's sins against them, offering instead a path to peace and restored relationship. This act of grace is not based on human merit but solely on God's love and mercy.

Humanity's Condition

The need for reconciliation arises from humanity's sinful nature, which creates enmity with God. Ephesians 2:1-5 describes this condition: "As for you, you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath. But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ, even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!"

This passage underscores the depth of human sinfulness and the corresponding need for divine intervention. Despite being "children of wrath," God's mercy and love provide a way to be "made alive with Christ."

The Ministry of Reconciliation

Believers are called to participate in the ministry of reconciliation, sharing the message of God's grace and forgiveness with others. As ambassadors for Christ, Christians are tasked with spreading the good news of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:20 states, "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 ministry involves not only proclaiming the message of reconciliation but also living out its implications in relationships with others, reflecting the peace and unity that come from being reconciled with God.

Conclusion

Reconciliation with God, effected while humanity was yet in sin, is a testament to God's profound love and grace. Through Jesus Christ, the barrier of sin is removed, offering peace and restored relationship with the Creator. This divine act calls believers to embrace and share the message of reconciliation, living as ambassadors of Christ in a world in need of His peace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 5:8
But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Recognition and Reconciliation
... cast upon their joy, and yet, the steady march of God's plan was effected along
the ... beautiful scene ends with the kiss of full reconciliation and frank ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/recognition and reconciliation.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

1 John ii. 1, 2
... here, as appears from the immediately following connection, that redemption, that
reconciliation of man with God, which was effected once for all ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john ii 1 2.htm

The Priesthood of Christ
... Hence, it pleased God, that the same High Priest who ... as Mediator and Umpire in this
reconciliation, should, with ... very blood by which he had effected their union ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration iv the priesthood of.htm

The Universal Chorus
... having made peace by the blood of His cross, He has effected a reconciliation, not
only ... is the only door and way to the Father, are without God, atheists in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon l the universal chorus.htm

John Chapter xvii. 21-23.
... be made perfect in one," He showed that the reconciliation, which is effected by
the ... on this, let the apostle testify, when he says: "God commendeth His ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate cx john chapter xvii.htm

1 Cor. Ii. 6, 7
... be brought in, and there shall be reconciliation of God ... it hath oftentimes prevailed
over the commands of God. ... perils also under which the change was effected. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily vii 1 cor ii.htm

That the Fast of Lent is not Sufficient to Make us Competent to ...
... For if thou say it not thyself, yet God so doeth; as thou ... I have intreated, I have
supplicated, but I have not effected a reconciliation." Never desist till ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xx that the fast.htm

Examination of the Treatise
... such an end, it can not be effected, unless man ... the justice of God requires that
reconciliation should be ... only foundation"upon Christ, ordained by God to be ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/examination of the treatise.htm

The New Covenant.
... The worshipper sought to appease conscience through sacrifice, and God, by the same
sacrifice, proclaimed that reconciliation had not been effected. ...
/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm