Reconciliation
The English word, reconciliation, is a very old word, dating back to the 14th century. According to the dictionary, to reconcile is to restore relations, to coexist in harmony, to make compatible. One definition goes even further: to find a way of making two different ideas or facts exist or be true at the same time.
Reconciliation is not just a biblical word. For instance, it is used in finances, in marriage relationships, and in politics. But in the Bible, we find the most extreme use of the word when it talks about a reconciliation between God and humans. After sin came into the world, man was separated from the holy Creator. But God wasn’t satisfied to leave things that way. He wanted a relationship. A close relationship. A unity. So He devised a way to make that possible.
Sacrifice was involved. No greater sacrifice could be given than His own Son. And all the pictures of that sacrifice in the Old Testament were not regarded lightly by Him. It’s too bad that even that illustration was ruined by those who weren’t sincere in their devotion to God. Instead of being a sweet smelling aroma, they became a stench in His nostrils. Oh, that we would make our sacrifices with a loving heart to please Him.
But I am digressing. What got me thinking about this word, reconciliation? The words of a Christmas carol. “God and sinners reconciled.” That’s one of the profound phrases from “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley. Too often we rush over the lyrics without thinking. They go by too quickly. But let’s stop and appreciate what is being said here.
People are sinners, separated from a holy God. “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). That’s a double whammy! Not only does He remove our sin when we come to Him in repentance, but He makes us perfect in His sight, as if we had never sinned. That’s reconciliation to its highest degree.
Here’s one of my favorite “but God” statements in the Bible. “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:7-8, NIV). “But God.” What a difference He makes! We would have no hope otherwise. Are you revelling in the hope this reconciliation brings?
