Are You Reconciling The World To GOD? - Bliss & Fire Network Weekly Digest - January 14, 2014

"That God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation" -2 Corinthians 5:19

EXPLORATION

Reconciliation is the art of bringing together two parties that are estranged or in dispute. Jesus Christ is the one who brings together God and man—with salvation as the result of the union. Reconciliation in essence means ‘change' or ‘exchange'. The idea is of a ‘change of relationship', an exchange of antagonism for goodwill and enmity for friendship. Attitudes are transformed and hostility ceases. In person-to-person reconciliation, the person who causes the break of relationship takes the initiative (1Corinthians 7:11) The Bible says, "Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." –Matthew 5:24. The person seeking reconciliation is said to be reconciled to the other person. He confesses his fault, offer reparation and seek forgiveness.

INSPIRATION

In the restoration of relationship between God and humanity, reconciliation occurs with an unexpected twist. God, the injured party takes the initiative. This initiating, reconciling action from God is contrary to expectations. The removal of alienation, as a result of man's sin is the work of God. The Bible never portrays man as reconciling himself to God or God being influenced by humans to reconciliation. When Paul admonishes his followers to "be reconciled to God" in 2 Corinthians 5:20, he is talking to them to receive humbly and gratefully the reconciliation that God has already achieved in Christ.

Humans are alienated and hostile in mind because of humans being’s evil actions. (Colossians 1:21) The mind-set of the flesh is hostile to God.

"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." -Romans 8:7

Sinful man is opposed to God, and everything that is of God. The sinful nature disobeys God and disbelieves the gospel. Sinners work contrary to God's purposes and God works contrary to their purposes. "Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others."-Ephesians 2:3

Reconciliation assumes there is a need for separation to be bridged and for God and humanity to be restored in right relationship. God is the reconciler—and Reconciliation is His work.

The initiative for reconciliation resides exclusively with God (2Corinthians 5:19). And the death of Jesus Christ is the means by which God accomplishes reconciliation (Roman 5:10)

Reconciliation is a completed work which is still being fulfilled. Although the death of Jesus Christ has procured reconciliation yet human beings still receive God's reconciling work and gracious gift by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

The divine-human act of reconciliation serves as the basis for authentic person-to-person reconciliation.

Finally, God's reconciling work is in large measure the ministry of the Church. Believers have been commissioned by the resurrected Lord to have a message and ministry of reconciliation. To us believers, reconciliation is not only a reality of life but it is also a purpose of our kingdom ministry—it is a must for every believer.

Remember the Bible says, "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." –Colossians 1:19-20

We are praying for you,

It's our JOY to see you blessed!

Apostle Gbenga Afolayan

Bliss & Fire Network Team 

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