“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 (KJV)
The basic meaning of reconciliation is “restoration to friendship or harmony.” This infers that there was previously a relationship that was harmonious but is now broken. That is the account of Adam and the problem of sin.
Prior to the Fall in the Garden of Eden. Adam (and Eve) enjoyed a wonderful relationship with God and with each other. But as a result of their sin, the relationship between humanity and God became damaged. As such, a decisive act was necessary for this relationship to be restored to its original state, and the result was reconciliation with God (Romans 5:19-21).
Paul, in his letter to the church in Rome, wrote, “Sin is not weakness, it is a disease, it is red-handed rebellion against God, and the magnitude of that rebellion is expressed by Calvary’s cross.” – Oswald Chambers. However, motivated by love, “…God commendeth His love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). God’s love is the basis of everything Christians receive from Him. Despite our ungodly behaviour and unrighteous acts that caused us to be separated from God, he still loves humanity.
Could God love people like us?
The answer is demonstrated by Christ’s death, which is the greatest evidence of God’s love.
Reconciling us to Him. Romans 5:11 (KJV) shows this clearly (“And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received atonement”). Paul makes it known that God has acted. He has put away the enmity through the death of Christ. All that remains for us to do is to accept His friendship, the offer of reconciliation that He provides.
Now, we can rejoice in Christ because we are justified by faith. We, however, have no reason for boasting or rejoicing in ourselves. We can have no pride in achieving a right standing with God but must attribute it all to God through Christ. Nevertheless, the Christian has something to rejoice about… “atonement” (reconciliation) with God.
Read: 2 Corinthians 5:18; Colossians 1:21
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 19:13-22; I Corinthians 4; I Chronicles 26:20-32; I Chronicles 27
