Reconciliation

Reconciliation is the restoration of a broken relationship. In Scripture, the relationship that requires restoration is the relationship between sinners and a holy God. Sin does not merely break a rule; it fractures the covenant relationship and creates enmity between the creature and the Creator. Reconciliation is the act by which that enmity is removed and the relationship restored.

Paul writes in Romans 5 that “while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son.” The language is striking: not that God was persuaded to overlook sin, but that the enmity itself was dealt with through the cross. Christ bore the judgment that sin required, satisfying the justice of God, so that those who receive this reconciliation are brought from the status of enemies to the status of children.

The ministry of reconciliation has now been given to the church. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5 that God “reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” The message the church carries into the world is this: “Be reconciled to God.” The cross has made reconciliation possible; the gospel announces it. The articles below trace this theme through several key passages.