Reconciliation (Gk katallage) is one part of Christ's work of redemption (i.e., spiritual salvation, restoration and renewal). To be reconciled to God means to be restored to a right relationship with him. Jesus reconciled us to God by dying for our sins on the cross. This is needed since we are unable to go directly to God due to our sinful nature. God, in His infinite mercy did not want us to perish. He wants us to come back to him willing. So anyone who accept Christ accept to go back to God.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19

18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

image credit

Reasons For Reconciliation

(1) The sin and rebellion of the human race have resulted in hostility toward God and separation from Him (Ephesians 2:3; Collosians 1:21). This rebellion brings God's wrath-His justified anger-and judgement (Romans 1:18; 24:23; 1 Corinthians 15:25-26; Ephesians 5:6). Our sin is so completely opposed to God's perfect character that it required the most extreme penalty: death and eternal seperation from God (Romans 6:23).

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:12

(2) Since we cannot earn or make our way to God through our own imperfect efforts (Ephesians 2: 8-9; Titus 3:5), God Himself chose to lovingly provide the perfect payment for our offenses against Him. He did so by sending His Son, Jesus, to pay our penalty and die in our place, bridging the gap between God and people (1 Peter 3:18). Through Christ atoning death, God has removed the barrier of sin and opened a way for the sinner to return to God (Romans 3:25; Ephesians 2:15-16).

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

image credit

(3) Reconciliation becomes effective for each person only through personal repentance (i.e., admitting and turning from sin, accepting God's forgiveness, yielding one's life to Christ and surrendering to His purposes). This is a step that must be taken by faith in Jesus Christ.

This righteousness is given through faith in[a] Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, Romans 3:22

(4) The church (i.e., all of Christ true followers) has been given the ministry of reconciliation-the opportunity and responsibility to spread Christ's message and to help others be reconciled and restored to a right relationship with God.

In conclusion, we should not let the payment of Jesus Christ to go in waste by not accepting the the gift of reconciliation that God gave to us. Reconcile with him and inherit the kingdom of God. Also reconcile with all men and be at peace.

image credit