We have been looking at words in Scripture in which we are familiar to see
if we can gain a deeper understanding. Today let's look at a word we all
know, appreciate and love! Reconciliation!

Reconciliation: the process by which God and man are brought together again.
Reconciliation is God's completed work in Christ before any human action
took place such as confession or repentance. As for God, He did not need to
be reconciled to man for He is the God of love who never changes!
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16

We were,
"...by nature children of wrath..." Ephesians 2:3
"And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked
works, yet now He has reconciled you." Colossians 1:21

God took the initiative while we were still sinners,
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still
sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:10

It is of God Himself,
"Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus
Christ...that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself,
not imputing their trespasses to them..." 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
How?
"For He made Him (Christ Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we
might become the righteousness of God in Him." Vs. 21

"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been made near by
the blood of Christ." Ephesians 2:13

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have
passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Through Christ Jesus' sacrifice, man's sin is atoned for and God's wrath is
appeased. So then, instead of alienation there is now fellowship.

With reconciliation there is now--
Peace with God, it is the product of justification:
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through
our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1
And in Christ, we live under an open heaven that gives us free access to the
throne of grace,
"through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we
stand..." Vs. 2

What a loving, gracious, mighty God and Father we have!

Let's us join with the Psalmist as he exhorts all to praise God,
"Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!
Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the Lord, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations." Psalm 100
Amen