Romans 5:10-11 NIV
10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
We have touched on the subject of reconciliation with God in several lessons over time.
Why? Because it is so important. In fact, it is at the core of God’s plan of salvation.
So, let’s give it another prayerful look.
The word reconciled means to be restored to friendship or harmony and to settle or resolve all differences.
It is a powerful word in all of its forms. Whether reconcile, reconciled or reconciliation, it means all barriers have been brought down.
We all know that between human beings, conflicts can arise causing serious relationship problems. As a result, many have become estranged from a loved one. Whether it is a parent, child, sister, brother, or a friend, there is only one way to overcome the bitter and often hateful feelings that have developed.
Reconciliation is the only way to restore the prior relationship.
However, we know that many times, these relationships are difficult to repair, and reconciliation is a distant hope.
And sadly, some human relationships are never restored and the estranged never enjoy what they once had.
Reconciliation Is Always Possible with God---It Is Up to Us
With God, our relationship is different.
This scripture explains our relationship with God very well.
As Christians, we are now His children. However, before we accepted Christ, we were in fact His enemy.
The reason for this is sin, which is incompatible with our Holy Father.
The great news of His grace is that through the atoning death of Jesus Christ, we can settle our differences, being reconciled with God.
When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, His blood cleanses us of all unrighteousness in God’s sight. As the old hymn says, there is power in the cleansing blood of Jesus.
Ephesians 1:7 KJV
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
We were once estranged from Him, separated from Him, an enemy of God, because of our sin.
But through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, and our faith in His promise, we can be reconciled to God.
The great songwriter Phil Cross penned the words “Jesus built a bridge to heaven, so that I could find my way up to Him.” Jesus is the bridge to God. To reconciliation with Him.
This reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ is the true meaning of salvation. It is the core of our faith and trust in God. It is the bringing together of our earthly life and the will of our Father in heaven.
He longs for and waits for everyone to be reconciled with Him. Just as the father watched for the return of his prodigal son, our Heavenly Father longingly waits for ALL to come home.
When we “come home” through Jesus Christ, His blood cleanses us of all unrighteousness in God’s sight and our sins are forgiven.
Our relationship is then restored with Him. We then become a child of His. We are then reconciled with Him.
What a powerful word!
But then, through reconciliation to God, one must do their best to reconcile with those they are estranged from.
Showing humility, love and kindness to them can break down barriers and restore human relationships.
In doing so, they will see the teachings of Jesus Christ on full display.
RVH
