Topical Bible: Reconciliation With God: Effected for Men by Christ As High Priest

Bible > Topical > Reconciliation With God

◄ Reconciliation With God: Effected for Men by Christ As High Priest ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

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 mediating work of Jesus Christ, who serves as the High Priest. The role of Christ as High Priest is pivotal in understanding how reconciliation is achieved, as it underscores His unique position in bridging the gap between God and mankind.

The Need for Reconciliation

The need for reconciliation arises from the inherent sinfulness of humanity, which separates individuals from a holy and righteous God. Romans 3:23 states, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This separation results in spiritual death and alienation from God, necessitating a means of restoration.

Christ as High Priest

The concept of Christ as High Priest is rooted in the Old Testament priesthood, where priests acted as mediators between God and the people. However, the Levitical priesthood was insufficient for complete reconciliation, as it involved repeated sacrifices that could not fully atone for sin. Hebrews 10:4 affirms, "It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins."

In contrast, Jesus Christ, as the High Priest, offers a perfect and once-for-all sacrifice. Hebrews 4:14 declares, "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess." Christ's priesthood is superior, as He is both the priest and the sacrifice, offering His own blood for the atonement of sins.

The Sacrifice of Christ

The sacrificial death of Christ on the cross is the cornerstone of reconciliation. Through His sacrifice, Jesus satisfies the demands of God's justice and demonstrates His love and mercy. Romans 5:10 explains, "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!"

Christ's sacrifice is efficacious because it is both voluntary and sufficient. Hebrews 9:12 states, "He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption."

The Result of Reconciliation

The result of Christ's reconciling work is peace with God and the restoration of fellowship. Colossians 1:20 proclaims, "and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross."

Believers are no longer alienated from God but are brought into a new relationship as children of God. Ephesians 2:13 affirms, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ."

The Ongoing Role of Christ

Even after His sacrificial death, Christ continues His priestly role by interceding for believers. Hebrews 7:25 assures, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." This ongoing intercession ensures that believers remain in a reconciled state with God, continually receiving grace and mercy.

In summary, reconciliation with God is made possible through the unique and perfect priesthood of Jesus Christ. His sacrificial death and ongoing intercession secure eternal redemption and restore the broken relationship between humanity and God, offering peace and fellowship to all who believe.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

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 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

Jesus the Scapegoat.
... John does not expressly say that the deliverance Jesus was to effect for men generally
was to be effected in a ... So is it with God: our reconciliation to Him ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/xxiv jesus the scapegoat.htm

Fifth Sunday in Lent
... with his sacrifices and sprinklings of blood effected merely as it ... God is building
it and he shall reveal it. ... and with these make formal reconciliation for the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fifth sunday in lent.htm

The Work of Christ.
... in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the ... confession from our side
and the restoration is effected. ... we have an Advocate with God," but "with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/ii the work of christ.htm

The Universal Chorus
... having made peace by the blood of His cross, He has effected a reconciliation, not
only ... This distinct application to God, in the person of the Son of His love ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon l the universal chorus.htm

2 Cor. v. 11
... we all attain, through the grace and love towards men of our ... makes the emphasis to
lie on the reconciliation effected in or ... and not on the fact that God was in ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xi 2 cor v.htm

The Ecclesiastical History of sozomenus
... Reconciliation between them effected by the Empress. Chapter XI.--Question
agitated in Egypt, as to whether God has a Corporeal Form. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sozomen/the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/

Matt. xxv. 1-30.
... the punishment, because, what time hath effected, this the ... thou not how great the
pleasure after reconciliation? ... and doth he seek healing of God?" [2898] "And ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxviii matt xxv 1-30.htm

The Death of the Saviour the End of all Sacrifices.
... No, this is only effected fully by the contemplation of ... are still held in enmity
against God, and may ... them to share with us the happiness of reconciliation. ...
/.../schleiermacher/selected sermons of schleiermacher/xiv the death of the.htm