Topical Bible: Reconciliation With God: Effected for Men by the Death of Christ

Bible > Topical > Reconciliation With God

◄ Reconciliation With God: Effected for Men by the Death of Christ ►

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 Creator due to sin. This reconciliation is made possible through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, which is a cornerstone of the Christian faith.

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 separation in Romans 3:23, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Sin creates a chasm between God and man, necessitating a means of restoration.

Christ's Sacrificial Death

The death of Jesus Christ is the divine provision for reconciliation. Through His sacrifice, the penalty for sin is paid, satisfying the justice of God. In Romans 5:10, Paul 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!" This verse underscores the transformative power of Christ's death, turning enemies into children of God.

The Role of Atonement

Atonement is a key aspect of reconciliation, where Christ's death serves as the atoning sacrifice for sin. In 1 John 2:2, it is written, "He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." This atonement is not limited but extends to all who believe, offering a universal scope of reconciliation.

Peace with God

Reconciliation brings peace between God and humanity. Romans 5:1 states, "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 restoration of relationship, allowing believers to approach God with confidence and assurance.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

Believers are called to participate in the ministry of reconciliation, sharing the message of Christ's redemptive work. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 declares, "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 highlights the responsibility of Christians to be ambassadors of reconciliation, spreading the good news of salvation.

The New Creation

Reconciliation with God results in a new creation, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" This transformation signifies the profound change in identity and purpose for those who are reconciled to God through Christ.

Access to God

Through reconciliation, believers gain direct access to God, a privilege made possible by Christ's death. Ephesians 2:18 affirms, "For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." This access is a testament to the intimate relationship restored between God and His people.

Conclusion

Reconciliation with God, effected by the death of Christ, is a foundational doctrine that underscores the grace and mercy of God in restoring humanity to Himself. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, believers are justified, transformed, and granted peace with God, becoming active participants in the ministry of reconciliation.

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

Ephesians 2:16
And that he might reconcile both to God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 1:21,22
And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now has he reconciled
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

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

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

Jesus the Scapegoat.
... was to effect for men generally was to be effected in a ... So is it with God: our
reconciliation to Him has ... strength and beauty of human nature, that God is more ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/xxiv jesus the scapegoat.htm

Fundamental Ideas of Man and his Redemption.
... of the Christian idea of Redemption as effected in Christ and ... justice to the ideas
of guilt and reconciliation, of the reunion of will between man and God. ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 2 fundamental ideas 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

Evans -- the Fall and Recovery of Man
... in the gift of Jesus Christ, by whose mediation our reconciliation and salvation
are effected. With Him, believers are dead unto sin, and alive unto God. ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/evans the fall and.htm

The Holy Spirit in the Passion of Christ.
... the Holy Spirit could not have effected such inworking ... Eternal Spirit that we might
serve the living God.". ... The reconciliation of these contrary views must be ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxii the holy spirit in.htm

Whether it is Fitting to Say that when Christ was Baptized the ...
... effect of baptism, which is the remission of sins and reconciliation with God: for
the ... Ev.): "Since sins had to be forgiven," which is effected in baptism ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is fitting to 2.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