Reconciliation # 3 Salvation Big Words
Sermon • Submitted • Presented
0 ratings
· 1 viewNotes
Transcript
Reconciliation
Reconciliation
1. The meaning of reconciliation
1. The meaning of reconciliation
a. The Old Testament meaning – The Hebrew word kaphar, which means “to cover something,” is found some 83 times in the Old Testament.
a. The Old Testament meaning – The Hebrew word kaphar, which means “to cover something,” is found some 83 times in the Old Testament.
Of these, it is translated “atonement” 76 times and “reconciliation” 7 times.
Of these, it is translated “atonement” 76 times and “reconciliation” 7 times.
Robert Lightner writes: “The Old Testament words for reconciliation do not represent a final dealing with sin.
Robert Lightner writes: “The Old Testament words for reconciliation do not represent a final dealing with sin.
Rather, they present sin as being covered temporarily from God, awaiting final reconciliation through Christ (see Lev. 6:30; 8:15; 2 Chron. 29:24; 1 Sam. 29:4; Ezek. 45:15)” (Evangelical Dictionary, p. 195).
Rather, they present sin as being covered temporarily from God, awaiting final reconciliation through Christ (see Lev. 6:30; 8:15; 2 Chron. 29:24; 1 Sam. 29:4; Ezek. 45:15)” (Evangelical Dictionary, p. 195).
And no sin offering, whereof any of the blood is brought into the tabernacle of the congregation to reconcile withal in the holy place, shall be eaten: it shall be burnt in the fire.
Leviticus 8:15 (KJV 1900)
And he slew it; and Moses took the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about with his finger, and purified the altar, and poured the blood at the bottom of the altar, and sanctified it, to make reconciliation upon it.
And the priests killed them, and they made reconciliation with their blood upon the altar, to make an atonement for all Israel: for the king commanded that the burnt offering and the sin offering should be made for all Israel.
1 Samuel 29:4 (KJV 1900)
And the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him; and the princes of the Philistines said unto him, Make this fellow return, that he may go again to his place which thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he be an adversary to us: for wherewith should he reconcile himself unto his master? should it not be with the heads of these men?
Ezekiel 45:15 (KJV 1900)
And one lamb out of the flock, out of two hundred, out of the fat pastures of Israel; for a meat offering, and for a burnt offering, and for peace offerings, to make reconciliation for them, saith the Lord God.
b. The New Testament meaning – The Greek word allasso means to change from that of enmity to that of friendship.
b. The New Testament meaning – The Greek word allasso means to change from that of enmity to that of friendship.
In essence, it indicates a change of relationship from that of hostility to that of harmony between two parties.
In essence, it indicates a change of relationship from that of hostility to that of harmony between two parties.
2. The need for reconciliation – (Isa. 59:1-2).
2. The need for reconciliation – (Isa. 59:1-2).
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.
(Col. 1:21).
(Col. 1:21).
And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
3. The example of reconciliation
3. The example of reconciliation
a. That of a man and his brother – (Matt. 5:23-24).
a. That of a man and his brother – (Matt. 5:23-24).
Matthew 5:23–24 (KJV 1900)
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
b. That of husband and wife – (1 Cor. 7:11).
b. That of husband and wife – (1 Cor. 7:11).
But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
c. That of God and the sinner – (2 Cor. 5:18).
c. That of God and the sinner – (2 Cor. 5:18).
2 Corinthians 5:18 (KJV 1900)
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
(Rom. 5:10-11).
(Rom. 5:10-11).
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.
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
4. The implications of reconciliation
4. The implications of reconciliation
a. That a previous animosity once existed
a. That a previous animosity once existed
b. That the offended party (or parties) now views things differently
b. That the offended party (or parties) now views things differently
5. The two phases of reconciliation a. God has reconciled himself to the world through Christ – (2 Cor. 5:19).
5. The two phases of reconciliation a. God has reconciled himself to the world through Christ – (2 Cor. 5:19).
2 Corinthians 5:19 (KJV 1900)
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
b. Man is now to reconcile himself to God through Christ – (2 Cor. 5:20).
b. Man is now to reconcile himself to God through Christ – (2 Cor. 5:20).
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.
Paul Enns writes: There are two parts to reconciliation.
Paul Enns writes: There are two parts to reconciliation.
The objective aspect of reconciliation is that in which man is reconciled to God prior to faith and man is rendered savable (2 Cor. 5:18a, 19a).
The objective aspect of reconciliation is that in which man is reconciled to God prior to faith and man is rendered savable (2 Cor. 5:18a, 19a).
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
This is provisional reconciliation.
This is provisional reconciliation.
The subjective aspect of reconciliation is that in which man is reconciled to God when he believes (2 Cor. 5:18b, 19b).
The subjective aspect of reconciliation is that in which man is reconciled to God when he believes (2 Cor. 5:18b, 19b).
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
This is experimental reconciliation. (Moody Handbook of Theology, p. 324)
This is experimental reconciliation. (Moody Handbook of Theology, p. 324)
6. The chronology of reconciliation
6. The chronology of reconciliation
a. In Eden, God and man faced each other in fellowship.
a. In Eden, God and man faced each other in fellowship.
b. After the Fall, God and man turned from each other.
b. After the Fall, God and man turned from each other.
c. At Calvary, God, through Christ, turned his face toward man.
c. At Calvary, God, through Christ, turned his face toward man.
d. At conversion (through repentance and faith), man turns his face toward God.
d. At conversion (through repentance and faith), man turns his face toward God.
WORDS OF SALVATION
WORDS OF SALVATION
RECONCILIATION
RECONCILIATION
We studied previously the concept of substitutionary atonement, drawing attention to the sin-bearing death of Jesus Christ on our behalf.
We studied previously the concept of substitutionary atonement, drawing attention to the sin-bearing death of Jesus Christ on our behalf.
Reconciliation is the result of that substitutionary atonement, the end product of the work of Jesus Christ.
Reconciliation is the result of that substitutionary atonement, the end product of the work of Jesus Christ.
Let us consider what the Scripture says about it.
Let us consider what the Scripture says about it.
[1] Reconciliation is God's initiative - Romans 5:6-11
[1] Reconciliation is God's initiative - Romans 5:6-11
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
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.
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
Romans 5 teaches us that:
Romans 5 teaches us that:
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
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.
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
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:
(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
when we were powerless, Christ died for the ungodly,while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, and when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son.
when we were powerless, Christ died for the ungodly,while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, and when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son.
This clearly indicates that reconciliation is something in which God took the initiative.
This clearly indicates that reconciliation is something in which God took the initiative.
We were unable to make a move towards God - we were powerless.
We were unable to make a move towards God - we were powerless.
We were disqualified from making a move towards God - we were sinners.
We were disqualified from making a move towards God - we were sinners.
We were unwilling to make a move towards God - we were his enemies.
We were unwilling to make a move towards God - we were his enemies.
All that was necessary to achieve reconciliation was done by God, through the death of Jesus Christ, while we were still in a state of disempowerment, disqualification and rebellion.
All that was necessary to achieve reconciliation was done by God, through the death of Jesus Christ, while we were still in a state of disempowerment, disqualification and rebellion.
For Paul, this is the reason the Christian believer possesses peace, assurance and joy. Our reconciliation with God is not the result of our own efforts or performance; it is exclusively the result of God's work in Christ.
For Paul, this is the reason the Christian believer possesses peace, assurance and joy. Our reconciliation with God is not the result of our own efforts or performance; it is exclusively the result of God's work in Christ.
Therefore, we have peace with God (Romans 5:1).
Therefore, we have peace with God (Romans 5:1).
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Therefore, we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God (Romans 5:2).
Therefore, we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God (Romans 5:2).
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Therefore, we have confident assurance of salvation (Romans 5:10).
Therefore, we have confident assurance of salvation (Romans 5:10).
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.
Therefore, we rejoice in God (Romans 5:11).
Therefore, we rejoice in God (Romans 5:11).
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
All of this is the sure possession of the believer because it depends in its entirety on the initiative God took to reconcile us to himself.
All of this is the sure possession of the believer because it depends in its entirety on the initiative God took to reconcile us to himself.
[2] Reconciliation initiates a completely new set up - 2 Corinthians 5:14-6:2.
[2] Reconciliation initiates a completely new set up - 2 Corinthians 5:14-6:2.
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
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.
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
In 2 Corinthians 5:16 Paul remembers the time when he and others regarded Jesus Christ purely as he appeared to the human eye - the Greek text translates according to flesh.
In 2 Corinthians 5:16 Paul remembers the time when he and others regarded Jesus Christ purely as he appeared to the human eye - the Greek text translates according to flesh.
Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
With his mind still blinded by Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4) Paul (then Saul, the unbeliever) considered Jesus a human being blasphemously claiming to be equal with God.
With his mind still blinded by Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4) Paul (then Saul, the unbeliever) considered Jesus a human being blasphemously claiming to be equal with God.
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
When the risen Lord revealed himself to Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) Paul underwent what in modern speech, could well be called a complete, comprehensive, all-embracing paradigm shift.
When the risen Lord revealed himself to Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) Paul underwent what in modern speech, could well be called a complete, comprehensive, all-embracing paradigm shift.
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
And there he found a certain man named Æneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
And Peter said unto him, Æneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
His understanding of Christ, his understanding of man's relationship to God, his comprehension of the way of salvation, his attitude to others, his value system - everything was radically changed.
His understanding of Christ, his understanding of man's relationship to God, his comprehension of the way of salvation, his attitude to others, his value system - everything was radically changed.
Seeing Christ differently he now sees everything differently.
Seeing Christ differently he now sees everything differently.
No longer does he judge Christ by human criteria.
No longer does he judge Christ by human criteria.
No longer does he view the death of Christ as a deserved punishment.
No longer does he view the death of Christ as a deserved punishment.
No longer does he sum people up on the basis of their performance.
No longer does he sum people up on the basis of their performance.
No longer does he judge a person's relationship with God on the basis of their personal sins or personal righteousness.
No longer does he judge a person's relationship with God on the basis of their personal sins or personal righteousness.
Just as his vision of the exalted Lord Jesus changed for ever his knowledge and assessment of Christ and his cross, so too has it changed forever his attitude to and assessment of people: 'if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation' (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Just as his vision of the exalted Lord Jesus changed for ever his knowledge and assessment of Christ and his cross, so too has it changed forever his attitude to and assessment of people: 'if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation' (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Literally, the Greek text translates if anyone is in Christ, new creation.
Literally, the Greek text translates if anyone is in Christ, new creation.
If anyone is in Christ it's a whole new ball-game, a whole new set up.
If anyone is in Christ it's a whole new ball-game, a whole new set up.
The old order has gone away.
The old order has gone away.
The new has come.
The new has come.
The person who knows who Jesus Christ really is (2 Corinthians 5:16) also understands that those who are reconciled to God through the death of Jesus Christ in which he bore our sin (2 Corinthians 5:21) exist in a completely new relationship with God.
The person who knows who Jesus Christ really is (2 Corinthians 5:16) also understands that those who are reconciled to God through the death of Jesus Christ in which he bore our sin (2 Corinthians 5:21) exist in a completely new relationship with God.
Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Outwardly, according to the flesh, Jesus looked just like any man, yet he was God.
Outwardly, according to the flesh, Jesus looked just like any man, yet he was God.
Outwardly, according to the flesh, believers look just like any other humans, yet, because of the reconciliation achieved by the sin-bearing death of Jesus Christ, they live in an entirely new set up.
Outwardly, according to the flesh, believers look just like any other humans, yet, because of the reconciliation achieved by the sin-bearing death of Jesus Christ, they live in an entirely new set up.
No longer do they have to strive to attain and maintain God's acceptance on the basis of who they are and what they can do.
No longer do they have to strive to attain and maintain God's acceptance on the basis of who they are and what they can do.
No longer are their sins held against them (2 Corinthians 5:19).
No longer are their sins held against them (2 Corinthians 5:19).
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
No longer does the death penalty for sin hang over them (2 Corinthians 5:14,15).
No longer does the death penalty for sin hang over them (2 Corinthians 5:14,15).
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
This new set up, this new creation, in which the believer lives because of reconciliation, is called 'the time of God's favour' and 'the day of salvation' (2 Corinthians 6:2).
This new set up, this new creation, in which the believer lives because of reconciliation, is called 'the time of God's favour' and 'the day of salvation' (2 Corinthians 6:2).
(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
It is the gift of God's grace (2 Corinthians 6:1 ), and Paul exhorts us not to receive it 'in vain'.
It is the gift of God's grace (2 Corinthians 6:1 ), and Paul exhorts us not to receive it 'in vain'.
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
Let us not give lip service to this wonder of reconciliation, then go our way as if nothing has changed, as if we still have to relate to God and to each other on the basis of our performance, still held accountable, and holding others accountable, for sin, still maintaining divisions and enmity because of perceived sin or righteousness.
Let us not give lip service to this wonder of reconciliation, then go our way as if nothing has changed, as if we still have to relate to God and to each other on the basis of our performance, still held accountable, and holding others accountable, for sin, still maintaining divisions and enmity because of perceived sin or righteousness.
All has changed, everything has become new, because of the reconciliation we have with God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All has changed, everything has become new, because of the reconciliation we have with God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
[3] Reconciliation involves the removal of impediments - Colossians 1:19-22.
[3] Reconciliation involves the removal of impediments - Colossians 1:19-22.
For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
This new relationship with God in which we live in a state of reconciliation is possible because of the removal of the impediments which had made it impossible for God to accept us and for us to live in the presence of God.
This new relationship with God in which we live in a state of reconciliation is possible because of the removal of the impediments which had made it impossible for God to accept us and for us to live in the presence of God.
Prior to Genesis 3 an unimpeded relationship existed between man and God.
Prior to Genesis 3 an unimpeded relationship existed between man and God.
Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.
And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?
And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.
And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
And the Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.
Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.
So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
Sin - rebellion against the authority of God and rejection of his word - severed that relationship, bringing about the situation of powerlessness, disqualification and enmity which Paul defined in Romans 5.
Sin - rebellion against the authority of God and rejection of his word - severed that relationship, bringing about the situation of powerlessness, disqualification and enmity which Paul defined in Romans 5.
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
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.
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
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:
(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
From Genesis 3 onwards sin stands as a barrier between man and God, separating man from his Creator, his Source and his Goal.
From Genesis 3 onwards sin stands as a barrier between man and God, separating man from his Creator, his Source and his Goal.
Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.
And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?
And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.
And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
And the Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.
Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.
So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
Into this hopeless situation comes God's initiative in Christ.
Into this hopeless situation comes God's initiative in Christ.
Here in Colossians 1 Paul expresses it this way: 'For God was pleased ... through him to reconcile to himself all things ... by making peace through his blood shed on the cross' (Colossians 1:19,20).
Here in Colossians 1 Paul expresses it this way: 'For God was pleased ... through him to reconcile to himself all things ... by making peace through his blood shed on the cross' (Colossians 1:19,20).
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,
To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:
Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
That incredible action of God at Calvary was his deliberate choice: God was pleased.
That incredible action of God at Calvary was his deliberate choice: God was pleased.
His decision, his choice, his pleasure, because of his great love for us, was to implement this inconceivable process of reconciliation which would involve the removal of all the sin that impeded the restoration of relationship between himself and his sinful creatures.
His decision, his choice, his pleasure, because of his great love for us, was to implement this inconceivable process of reconciliation which would involve the removal of all the sin that impeded the restoration of relationship between himself and his sinful creatures.
As we have seen in relation to justification/righteousness and substitutionary atonement the death of Jesus Christ was a death for our sins.
As we have seen in relation to justification/righteousness and substitutionary atonement the death of Jesus Christ was a death for our sins.
He bore the legal penalty due to us. Sin no longer stands in between us and God. Sin can no longer separate us from God.
He bore the legal penalty due to us. Sin no longer stands in between us and God. Sin can no longer separate us from God.
Those who are united with Christ by faith are united with him in his death for sin. Their sin is paid for.
Those who are united with Christ by faith are united with him in his death for sin. Their sin is paid for.
There is no more condemnation.
There is no more condemnation.
There is no more separation from God.
There is no more separation from God.
But that is not all.
But that is not all.
That is but the first part of the reconciliation package which God gives to us in Christ.
That is but the first part of the reconciliation package which God gives to us in Christ.
We read here in Colossians that whereas, before our conversion, we 'were alienated from God and were enemies in (our) minds because of (our) evil behaviour' (Col 1:21), now, reconciled to God by the death of Jesus Christ, God presents us to himself 'holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation' (Col 1:22).
We read here in Colossians that whereas, before our conversion, we 'were alienated from God and were enemies in (our) minds because of (our) evil behaviour' (Col 1:21), now, reconciled to God by the death of Jesus Christ, God presents us to himself 'holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation' (Col 1:22).
And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
Those who are reconciled to God through the death of Christ stand in the presence of God, not only with their sin forgiven, but also clothed in the pure and perfect righteousness of Christ.
Those who are reconciled to God through the death of Christ stand in the presence of God, not only with their sin forgiven, but also clothed in the pure and perfect righteousness of Christ.
Not only is the impediment of actual negative sinfulness removed, but also the impediment of lack of positive righteousness.
Not only is the impediment of actual negative sinfulness removed, but also the impediment of lack of positive righteousness.
All that stood against us - both our sin, and our inability to ever be what we ought to be - is removed in this act of reconciliation through Christ.
All that stood against us - both our sin, and our inability to ever be what we ought to be - is removed in this act of reconciliation through Christ.
The believer stands in the presence of God
The believer stands in the presence of God
no longer bearing the guilt of sin,no longer bearing the condemnation of sin,no longer cut off from God by sin,no longer having to keep 100% of God's law 100% of the time in order to be accepted.
no longer bearing the guilt of sin,no longer bearing the condemnation of sin,no longer cut off from God by sin,no longer having to keep 100% of God's law 100% of the time in order to be accepted.
We stand there rather reconciled
We stand there rather reconciled
with our sin taken out of the way,with all that perfect righteousness of Christ counted ours,holy in his sight, without blemish, free from accusation.
with our sin taken out of the way,with all that perfect righteousness of Christ counted ours,holy in his sight, without blemish, free from accusation.
For this reason Paul says in Colossians 3:3: 'you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.'
For this reason Paul says in Colossians 3:3: 'you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.'
Reconciliation, this grand initiative of God, this whole new set up in which we now have peace with God, is the removal of all the impediments that prevented a right relationship between God and man.
Reconciliation, this grand initiative of God, this whole new set up in which we now have peace with God, is the removal of all the impediments that prevented a right relationship between God and man.
In the light of this wonderful fact of reconciliation, and knowing the natural tendency of our hearts to relate to God on the basis of our own merits, Paul writes: 'we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain' (2 Corinthians 6:1).
In the light of this wonderful fact of reconciliation, and knowing the natural tendency of our hearts to relate to God on the basis of our own merits, Paul writes: 'we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain' (2 Corinthians 6:1).
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
Let us receive this gracious gift of reconciliation from God's hand, and let us live in God's presence with peace and joy because of it.
Let us receive this gracious gift of reconciliation from God's hand, and let us live in God's presence with peace and joy because of it.