Reconciliation Series

I. The Savior.

We have looked at the Saviors seven Positions; His Preparation; His Person over two natures; His Particular offices; and His Passion, now we come to the Prominent truths related to the Cross.

F. Prominent truths related to the Cross.

1. Reconciliation.

a. Definition.

The word "reconcile" means "to win over to friendliness...to compose or settle a quarrel, differences, etc., to bring into agreement or harmony."

Doctrinally it is the work of God toward man which makes possible and actual man's fellowship with God. Provisionally, reconciliation was made once and for all by Christ on the cross for the whole world. Experientally, reconciliation became the possession of the believer when he believes.

b. Description.

This meaning of the word, as indicated by the original Greek. There are three Greek words which clearly indicate that reconciliation is a change of mind on the part of one [man] because of the act of another [God in Christ] from enmity to friendship.

(1) katallage. This word indicates a change on the part of one party induced by the action on the part of another.

Rom.5:11; 11:15/2 Cor. 5:18-19.

(2) katallasso. This is the verb form of the previous noun, and indicates a change from enmity to friendship.

Rom. 5:10/1 Cor.7:11/2 Cor. 5:18-20.

(3) Apokatallasso. This is the intensive form, and means to reconcile completely, to remove our enmity and to leave no room for impediment as to unity and peace.

Eph. 2:16/Col.1:21-22

c. Details.

(1) 2 Cor. 5:17-21

17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Here we have the revelation of the individual new creation. Do not confuse this with the new creation of which Christ is the Head. A saint is an individual new creation as indicated in this passage and this in now way hinders the blessed truth that he is alos a part of the new creation.

v. 17 - clearly indicates this wonderful truth.

v. 18 - Here we see that all things are of God [who is the subject] and He had reconciled us [the object] to Himself by Jesus Christ [the active agent]. Keep in mind that the application of reconciliation in the individual life takes place at the time when he believes. Yet it was provided in the one act of Christ dying on the cross.

v.19 - Here we see the message of reconciliation, that God was in Christ [the subject] reconciling the world [the object] unto Himself.

Note the expression, "not counting their trespasses against them." Here we see that the problem of sin no longer remains; and the reason for this fact is found in verse 21, i.e., our sins were imputed to Christ. So, the ultimate work of reconciliation makes the sinner the righteousness of God by being in Christ, the On who died as our substitute.

(2) Romans 5:6-11

6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Romans 5:6-11 (NASB)

This passage reveals certain aspects of reconciliation and also presents clearly the need for reconciliation. This need is fourfold:

(a) Helpless - "still helpless or without strength"

(b) Haughty - "ungodly"

(c) Hostile - "sinners"

(d) Hateful - "enemies"

Man is totally unable to save himself or even help God to save him, and has no merit that would commend him to God, guilty and at complete enmity toward God.

This four-fold need of reconciliation was met as indicated in verses 10 and 11.