Man, His need: Reconciliation

Class - 8 Man, his need: Reconciliation (3/19/24)

Intro:

Very important word in God’s scheme of redemption is “reconciliation”.

Defined as: to change from opposition to friendship (i.e. the restoration of a relationship) - we were enemies of God (Rom5:10) we were reconciled, restored to right relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Scriptures to consider Rom4:8-11 (turn to read)

Romans 4:8–11 NASB95

8 “Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account.” 9 Is this blessing then on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say, “Faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness.” 10 How then was it credited? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised; 11 and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be credited to them,

Reconciled through the cross (Eph2:16)

Reconciled through His blood on the cross (Col1:20-23)

Aim:

Man’s need to change from enemy to friend

To understand that jesus is the reconciler for all people

Outline:

A. Rom5:8-11

Romans 5:8–11 NASB95

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.

Man must be reconciled (5:10)

Man has a specific way to be reconciled to Holy God through death of His Son on the cross (5:10-11)

B. Eph2:14-18; ref: Col1:19-23

Ephesians 2:14–18 NASB95

14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, 16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; 18 for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.

Jesus death provided the means to reconcile all men, Jews and Gentiles, into one body (Eph2:16)

One body, one people unto God; through the cross (Eph2:16)

C. 2Cor5:18-21

2 Corinthians 5:18–21 NASB95

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.

God does the reconciling, reconciling to Himself through Christ (2Cor5:18)

God gave ministry of reconciliation to the apostles to give man the word of reconciliation as his ambassadors (2Cor5:18-20)

God entreats, invites, makes the way for sinful man to be reconciled to Him (2Cor5:20-21)

Conclusion

A. Man could not reconcile himself to Holy God, Holy God provides the way of reconciliation

In the person, the mediator, Jesus Christ (turn to read 1Tim2:4-5; ref: Jn14:6)

1 Timothy 2:4–5 NASB95

4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

God provided not only the means, but the way through the cross (turn to read Col1:20-22)

Colossians 1:20–22 NASB95

20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. 21 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, 22 yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach—

He provided the message of reconciliation, through the gospel, of Christ and him crucified for our sins (ref: 2Cor5:20-6:2)

B. God has provided for man’s greatest need in reconciliation

Reconciliation is mandatory for salvation

without reconciliation man is lost, still separated from God, condemned.

In reconciliation you have peace with God (turn to read Rom5:1); God implores man to be reconciled (ref: 2Cor5:20)

Romans 5:1 NASB95

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

For today is the day of salvation (turn to read 2Cor5:20-6:2 now to keep in context).

2 Corinthians 5:20–6:2 NASB95

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. 1 And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain— 2 for He says, “At the acceptable time I listened to you, And on the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation”—

Vocabulary word: Reconciliation