Topical Encyclopedia The concept of reconciliation with God is a central theme in Christian theology, signifying the restoration of the broken relationship between humanity and the Creator due to sin. This reconciliation is vividly proclaimed by the angels at the birth of Jesus Christ, marking a pivotal moment in the divine plan of salvation.Biblical Context The announcement of reconciliation is found in the Gospel of Luke, where the birth of Jesus is heralded by angels to shepherds in the fields. Luke 2:10-14 records this momentous event: "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the City of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.' And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!'" Theological Significance The angelic proclamation underscores the arrival of Jesus as the Savior, the one through whom reconciliation with God is made possible. The declaration of "peace on earth" is not merely a call for the absence of conflict but signifies the deeper peace that comes from being reconciled with God. This peace is a fulfillment of the prophetic promises found in the Old Testament, where the coming Messiah would bring about a new covenant and restore the relationship between God and His people (Isaiah 9:6-7, Jeremiah 31:31-34). Christ as the Mediator In Christian theology, Jesus Christ is understood as the mediator of reconciliation. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He bridges the gap caused by sin. The Apostle Paul elaborates on this in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 : "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." Implications for Believers The angelic announcement at Christ's birth invites all people to partake in this reconciliation. It is a call to accept the peace offered through Jesus, leading to a transformed relationship with God. This reconciliation is not only a personal experience but also a communal one, as believers are called to be ambassadors of this peace, sharing the message of reconciliation with the world. Conclusion The proclamation by the angels at the birth of Christ is a profound declaration of God's initiative to restore humanity to Himself. It highlights the birth of Jesus as the turning point in history where divine peace and reconciliation are made available to all who believe. This message continues to resonate, offering hope and restoration to a world in need of God's peace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 2:14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library "The Kingdom of God is at Hand" General Index. The Faith of Abraham. Christ. Book ix. In the Last Book we Treated of the Indistinguishable ... The Founder of Christianity. Letter xxviii. To Flavian Commonly Called "The Tome. " Oration Concerning Simeon and Anna The Doctrine of Jesus Christ. Hymns for Christian Devotion Resources What is the ministry of reconciliation in 2 Corinthians 5:18? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is ultimate reconciliation? | GotQuestions.org What is Christian reconciliation? Why do we need to be reconciled with God? | GotQuestions.org Reconciliation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Reconciliation With God: A Pledge of Final Salvation Reconciliation With God: Blotting out the Hand-Writing of Ordinances is Necessary To Reconciliation With God: Effected for Men by Christ As High Priest Reconciliation With God: Effected for Men by God in Christ Reconciliation With God: Effected for Men by the Blood of Christ Reconciliation With God: Effected for Men by the Death of Christ Reconciliation With God: Effected for Men without Strength Reconciliation With God: Effected for Men: While Alienated from God Reconciliation With God: Effected for Men: While Enemies to God Reconciliation With God: Effected for Men: Yet Sinners Reconciliation With God: Effects of Access to God Reconciliation With God: Effects of Peace of God Reconciliation With God: Effects of Union of Jews and Gentiles Reconciliation With God: Effects of Union of Things in Heaven and Earth Reconciliation With God: Ministers, in Christ's Stead, should Beseech Men to Seek Reconciliation With God: Necessity For-Illustrated Reconciliation With God: Predicted Reconciliation With God: Proclaimed by Angels at the Birth of Christ Reconciliation With God: The Ministry of Committed to Ministers Reconciliation With God: Typified Reconciliation: Between Esau and Jacob Reconciliation: Between God and Man Reconciliation: Between Man and Man Reconciliation: Between Pilate and Herod Antipas Related Terms Transgressions (64 Occurrences) Meat-offerings (10 Occurrences) |
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