Topical Bible: Reconciliation With God: Effected for Men by God in Christ

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Topical Encyclopedia

Reconciliation with God is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing the restoration of the broken relationship between humanity and the Creator due to sin. This reconciliation is made possible through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who serves as the mediator 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. The Apostle Paul articulates this condition in Romans 3:23, stating, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Sin creates a chasm between God and man, necessitating divine intervention to restore fellowship.

God's Initiative in Reconciliation

Reconciliation is initiated by God, who, in His love and mercy, seeks to restore the relationship with His creation. In 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Paul writes, "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." This passage underscores that reconciliation is a divine act, accomplished through Christ.

The Role of Christ in Reconciliation

Jesus Christ is central to the reconciliation process. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, He atones for the sins of humanity, satisfying the demands of divine justice. Romans 5:10 states, "For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!" Christ's atoning work is the means by which reconciliation is achieved, transforming enemies of God into His children.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

Believers are called to participate in the ministry of reconciliation, sharing the message of Christ's redemptive work with others. As ambassadors for Christ, Christians are tasked with spreading the gospel, inviting others to be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 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."

The Result of Reconciliation

The result of reconciliation is peace with God and the restoration of a right relationship with Him. Romans 5:1 declares, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound sense of wholeness and communion with God.

Reconciliation and the New Creation

Reconciliation with God also ushers believers into a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 proclaims, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" This transformation signifies a renewed identity and purpose, aligning believers with God's will and kingdom.

Conclusion

Reconciliation with God, effected through Jesus Christ, is a foundational doctrine of the Christian faith. It highlights God's initiative in restoring a broken relationship with humanity, the central role of Christ's atoning work, and the believer's call to participate in the ministry of reconciliation. Through this divine act, believers experience peace with God and are transformed into new creations, reflecting the glory of their Creator.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 5:19
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not imputing their trespasses to them; and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether God's Mercy Suffers at Least Men to be Punished Eternally?
... charity, since "death is to men what their fall ... refers to man generically, because
God's indignation was ... or to remain in this reconciliation effected by Christ ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether gods mercy suffers at.htm

1 John iv. 9-10
... the hindrance must first be removed by God himself; and the medium, through which
this was effected, is called by John the reconciliation for sin ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john iv 10-sep.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

Its Results
... Reconciliation is to make an end of strife, to bring together those at variance,
to change ... Between God and the justified there is peace"effected by the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/10 its results.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 Corruption of Man, his Conversion to God, and the Manner ...
... Spirit through the word or ministry of reconciliation; which is ... from the dead, making
alive, which God works in ... But this is in no wise effected merely by the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/synod of dort/the corruption of man his.htm

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

1 John iii. 10
... sifting attributed to the Gospel, is effected simply by ... himself from all others as
a child of God. ... from each other; to repel all reconciliation and agreement ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john iii 10.htm

Of the Reason Why Forty Generations (Not Including Christ Himself) ...
... the flesh of our Priest, with whose name the calculation of this number starts here;
and as reconciliation is also effected for us with God, with whose ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter iv of the reason why.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