Reconciliation: end of conflict, restoration of friendly relations, reunion, bringing together (again), restoration of peace...
Restored relationship is really the meaning of the word reconciliation and it is the foundation of the Christian faith.
The restored relationship between God and mankind is the first and most important level of reconciliation and certainly the most beautiful one.
God, the Creator of the Universe wants a personal friendship with human beings. Contrary to the gods of other world religions, God is not angry at humanity. He loves people and He longs for a healthy relationship with you and me. A relationship that will not be sabotaged by guilt and shame and does not depend on all kinds of good works. It is a relationship based on mutual LOVE.
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:9-10).
Atonement (the reconciliation of God and humankind through Jesus Christ) has a rich history which has been described in the first books of the Bible: the reconciliation between God and Israel. That is the second level of reconciliation and I will write some more about that in the next blog post.
Jesus said: I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you (John 15:15).
This reconciled relationship is such a wonderful thing, isn't it? Sometimes I just meditate on the wonder of all He has done to restore and forgive us. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed often beyond my understanding Karen, so much goodness, grace and kindness.... it should reflect in our lives, right?
DeleteWe have so much to be thankful for because of that reconciliation. Once it happens, we can go to Him with any problem, trust Him with anything that comes our way. Praise God for all He does for us.
ReplyDeletePraise Him indeed for being the first one to make peace!
DeleteSo 2 Corinthians says, Be reconciled to God; it's not so much reconciliation 'between' as it is between men or nations. The offence was all on our side, and the atoning work all from His.
ReplyDeleteThat is true David, to be reconciled TO God... but the friendship is BETWEEN God and men... The offense was all on our side, the forgiveness all on His side, but we have to accept His offer....
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ReplyDeleteIt's such a relief that our salvation is not based on good works, but on what Jesus did for us. I'm so thankful for all He's done for me.
ReplyDeleteWe can only receive His offer with thanksgiving indeed Susan.
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