Topical Encyclopedia The term "Word of Reconciliation" is a profound designation for the Gospel, emphasizing its role in restoring the broken relationship between God and humanity. This concept is rooted in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul, who articulates the transformative power of the Gospel as a message of peace and restoration.Biblical Foundation The primary scriptural basis for the Gospel being called the "Word of Reconciliation" is found 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." In this passage, Paul explains that through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, God has initiated a process of reconciliation. The term "reconciliation" (Greek: καταλλαγή, katallagē) implies a change in relationship from enmity to peace. The Gospel, therefore, is the divine message that announces this change and invites humanity to partake in it. Theological Significance The concept of reconciliation is central to Christian theology, highlighting the gravity of sin and the necessity of divine intervention. Sin created a chasm between God and humanity, a separation that could not be bridged by human effort. The Gospel, as the Word of Reconciliation, declares that through Jesus Christ, this separation has been overcome. Romans 5:10 further elucidates this: "For if, when 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!" Here, Paul underscores the past enmity and the present peace achieved through Christ's atoning work. The Ministry of Reconciliation Believers are entrusted with the "ministry of reconciliation," as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:18. This ministry involves proclaiming the Gospel and living out its implications. Christians are called to be ambassadors for Christ, urging others to be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20): "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 is not merely a verbal proclamation but also a demonstration of the reconciled life. It involves embodying the peace and unity that the Gospel brings, both within the church and in the broader world. Practical Implications The Word of Reconciliation has profound implications for personal and communal life. Individually, it calls for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, leading to a restored relationship with God. Communally, it challenges the church to be a living testimony of reconciliation, breaking down barriers of hostility and division. Ephesians 2:14-16 speaks to this communal aspect: "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility." Conclusion The Gospel as the Word of Reconciliation is a central theme in the New Testament, encapsulating the essence of the Christian message. It is a divine invitation to enter into a restored relationship with God through Jesus Christ and to participate in the ongoing ministry of reconciliation in the world. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 5:19To 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 On the Comparison of the Law and the Gospel Union and Communion with God the End and Design of the Gospel On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xii. 32, "Whosoever Shall Speak ... The Canons of Dort. The Corruption of Man, his Conversion to God, and the Manner ... Inspiration of Scripture. --Gospel Difficulties. --The Word of God ... The Sick Person Ought Now to Send for Some Godly and Religious ... The Epistles to the Corinthians. Christ the Mediator of the Covenant Hebrews x. 26, 27 Resources What is the Gospel Coalition? | GotQuestions.orgIs handing out gospel tracts a good evangelism method? | GotQuestions.org What is the gospel? | GotQuestions.org Gospel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gospel According To the Hebrews Gospel: Called the New Covenant Gospel: Called: Doctrine According to Godliness Gospel: Called: Form of Sound Words Gospel: Called: Glorious Gospel of Christ Gospel: Called: Gospel of Christ Gospel: Called: Gospel of Jesus Christ Gospel: Called: Gospel of Peace Gospel: Called: Gospel of Salvation Gospel: Called: Gospel of the Kingdom Gospel: Called: Ministration of the Spirit Gospel: Called: Mystery of Christ Gospel: Called: Mystery of the Gospel Gospel: Called: Preaching of Jesus Christ Gospel: Called: The Dispensation of the Grace of God Gospel: Called: The Grace of God Gospel: Called: The Kingdom of God Gospel: Called: Word of Christ Gospel: Called: Word of Reconciliation Gospel: Called: Word of Salvation Gospel: Compared to a Householder Gospel: Compared to a Mustard Seed Gospel: Compared to a Pearl of Great Price Gospel: Compared to a Treasure Hidden in a Field Gospel: Compared to Leaven (Yeast) Gospel: Prophecies Relating To Gospel: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Gospel is Called the Dispensation of the Grace of God The Gospel is Called the Doctrine According to Godliness The Gospel is Called the Form of Sound Words The Gospel is Called the Glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ The Gospel is Called the Gospel of Christ The Gospel is Called the Gospel of God The Gospel is Called the Gospel of Peace The Gospel is Called the Gospel of Salvation The Gospel is Called the Gospel of the Grace of God The Gospel is Called the Gospel of the Kingdom The Gospel is Called the Ministration of the Spirit The Gospel is Called the Mystery of the Gospel The Gospel is Called the Preaching of Jesus Christ The Gospel is Called the Word of Christ The Gospel is Called the Word of Faith The Gospel is Called the Word of God The Gospel is Called the Word of Grace The Gospel is Called the Word of Life The Gospel is Called the Word of Reconciliation The Gospel is Called the Word of Salvation The Gospel is Called the Word of Truth The Gospel is Good Tidings of Great Joy for all People The Gospel is Hid to Them That are Lost The Gospel is the Power of God to Salvation The Gospel: Awful Consequences of not Obeying The Gospel: Be Careful not to Hinder The Gospel: Exhibits the Grace of God The Gospel: Let Him Who Preached Another, be Accursed The Gospel: Life and Immortality are Brought to Light by Jesus Through The Gospel: Ministers Have a Stewardship to Preach The Gospel: Preached Beforehand to Abraham The Gospel: Preached by Christ The Gospel: Preached to Every Creature The Gospel: Preached to The Gentiles The Gospel: Preached to The Jews First The Gospel: Preached to The Poor The Gospel: Preached Under the Old Testament The Gospel: Profession of, Attended by Afflictions The Gospel: Promises to Sufferers The Gospel: Rejection of, by Many, Foretold The Gospel: Rejection of, by the Jews, a Means of Blessing to The The Gospel: Saints Have Fellowship In The Gospel: Testifies to the Final Judgment The Gospel: The Knowledge of the Glory of God is By The Gospel: There is Fulness of Blessing In The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Adhere to the Truth of The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Earnestly Contend for the Faith of The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Have Their Conversation Becoming The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Live in Subjection To The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should not be Ashamed of The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Sacrifice Friends and Property For The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Sacrifice Life Itself For Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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