The Mission of Reconciliation

Reconciliation: A change in relationship or attitude from enmity to peace; the cessation of hostility in attitude or action. Reconciliation is a central doctrine of Christianity. Specifically, in Christ God reconciled the sinful, hostile world to himself by Christ’s taking upon himself the cost of our hostility and enmity, thereby setting the world free to restored union with God.

Jesus reconciles us to God, transforming our alienation into holiness.

Our alienation begins with our rebellion against God’s law.

Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.Isaiah 59:1-2

Our reconciliation begins with God’s initiative through Christ’s death.

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.Romans 5:10

The goal of reconciliation is to present us holy and blameless before God.

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.”

Jude 24

Reconciliation is a gift of grace that removes the barrier of sin.

Sin caused alienation between humanity and God, but Christ’s death bridges that gap.

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;1 Timothy 2:5

Reconciliation involves not imputing our trespasses against us.

Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.Psalm 32:2

Imputation: the act of crediting or attributing something to a person’s account. It is a legal or forensic term that describes how God regards or accounts righteousness or sin to an individual.

Three Types of Imputation in Scripture

The Imputation of Adam’s Sin to Humanity

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:Romans 5:12

The Imputation of Humanity’s Sin to Christ

For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:2 Corinthians 5:2

The Imputation of Christ’s Righteousness to Believers

Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,Romans 4:6

We are called to remain steadfast in faith and hope in the Gospel.

Diligence in our faith ensures that we are not deceived.

But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.Hebrews 3:6

Faithfulness to the Word guards against false teachings that distort reconciliation.

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;Ephesians 4:14

We are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation as ambassadors for Christ.

God calls us to share the message of reconciliation with others.

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;2 Corinthians 5:18

We represent Jesus as His ambassadors in calling others to be reconciled to God.

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.2 Corinthians 5:20

Are you living a reconciled life?

Are your growing in your understanding of the Word of God?

Are you sharing the Gospel faithfully?

Is there anything in your life that would pull you away from your faith in God?