Topical Encyclopedia
Reconciling, in the biblical context, refers to the restoration of a broken relationship between God and humanity, as well as between individuals. This concept is central to Christian theology, emphasizing God's initiative in restoring fellowship with His creation through Jesus Christ.
Old Testament BackgroundThe need for reconciliation arises from the fall of humanity in
Genesis 3, where sin entered the world, creating a separation between God and man. Throughout the Old Testament, God provided means for temporary reconciliation through sacrifices and the Law.
Leviticus 16 describes the Day of Atonement, a significant event where the high priest made atonement for the sins of Israel, symbolizing reconciliation with God.
New Testament FulfillmentThe New Testament reveals the ultimate act of reconciliation through Jesus Christ. In
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 , Paul writes, "All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men's trespasses against them." This passage highlights that reconciliation is initiated by God and accomplished through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus.
Romans 5:10 further explains, "For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!" Here, Paul emphasizes that reconciliation transforms believers from being enemies of God to being in a restored relationship with Him.
The Ministry of ReconciliationBelievers are called to participate in the ministry of reconciliation. As ambassadors for Christ, Christians are tasked with spreading the message of reconciliation to others.
2 Corinthians 5:20 states, "Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God."
Interpersonal ReconciliationReconciliation is not only vertical (between God and humans) but also horizontal (between individuals). Jesus taught the importance of reconciling with others in
Matthew 5:23-24 : "Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift."
Theological ImplicationsReconciliation is a profound demonstration of God's love and grace. It underscores the belief that through Christ, the barriers of sin are removed, allowing for a restored relationship with God. This reconciliation is a gift, received by faith, and it transforms the believer's identity and purpose.
Practical ApplicationChristians are encouraged to live out the reality of reconciliation in their daily lives, fostering peace and unity within the body of Christ and extending forgiveness and grace to others.
Ephesians 4:32 instructs, "Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you."
In summary, reconciling is a central theme in the Bible, highlighting God's redemptive work through Christ and calling believers to be agents of reconciliation in the world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Reconcile.
Greek
2644. katallasso -- to reconcile... 2644 ("decisively changed, reconciled") is applied to marriage partners (1 Cor
7:11), but usually in the redemptive sense of a sinner
reconciling to the Lord.
...Library
OnReconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians
... ORATION V OnReconciling Religious Dissensions Among Christians. ONRECONCILING
RELIGIOUS DISSENSIONS AMONG CHRISTIANS Never since...
"There is Therefore Now no Condemnation to them which are in...
... God is in Christ therefore,reconciling the world to himself.... Know this,
that God is in Christreconciling the world to himself....
John Chapter xv. 17-19.
... course, of the whole Church, which, by itself, He frequently also calls by the name
of the world: as when it is said, "God was in Christ,reconciling the world...
John Chapter xvii. 21-23.
... not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved;" [1764]
and hence the apostle also says, "God was in Christ,reconciling the world...
The Great Reconciliation
... GLORIA CRUCIS V THE GREAT RECONCILIATION. "God was in Christreconciling the
world unto Himself." 2 Corinthians 5:19. Such considerations...
The Law Established through Faith
... Christ; we may speak, in a more especial manner, of "the Lord our righteousness."
We may expatiate upon the grace of God in Christ, "reconciling the world unto...
The Seventh Beatitude
... But if a man go and carry to men the great message of a reconciled and areconciling
God manifest in Jesus Christ, and bringing peace between men and God, he...
The Epistle to the Hebrews
... of man's case is wrought into it or wrought out of it to meet an emergency; it is
the actual fact of an atonement and areconciling priestly ministry which is...
What the Scriptures Principally Teach: the Ruin and Recovery of...
... So then we have God holden out to us as a redeemer, as a repairer of our
breaches,""God in Christreconciling the world,"""O Israel, thou hast destroyed...
The Importance of the Death of Christ in Preaching and in Theology
... The great invincible certainty of thereconciling love of God, which even when we
were enemies made peace for us, this underlies all things, embraces all things...
Thesaurus
Reconciling (3 Occurrences)...Reconciling (3 Occurrences). Romans 11:15 For if the rejection of them is the
reconciling of the world, what would their acceptance be, but life from the dead?
...Reconcile (10 Occurrences)
... form here used is "to make himself pleasing or acceptable," "to reconcile himself."
But assuredly the Philistines' idea of Davidreconciling himself to Saul...
Reconciliation (11 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act ofreconciling, or the state of being
reconciled; reconcilenment; restoration to harmony; renewal of friendship....
Mediator (7 Occurrences)
... (n.) One who mediates; especially, one who interposes between parties at variance
for the purpose ofreconciling them; hence, an intercessor. Int....
Offences (21 Occurrences)
... (KJV). 2 Corinthians 5:19 how that God was in Christ,reconciling the world to himself,
not reckoning to them their offences; and putting in us the word of that...
Jachin (8 Occurrences)
... Various methods have been suggested ofreconciling this discrepancy, but it is more
probable that there is a corruption in the Chronicler's number....
Wit (28 Occurrences)
... 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...
Imputing (2 Occurrences)
... 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...
Transgressions (64 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 5:19 We are to tell how God was in Christreconciling the world to
Himself, not charging men's transgressions to their account, and that He has...
Trespasses (19 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 5:19 namely, that God was in Christreconciling the world to himself,
not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having committed to us the word...
Resources
What is ultimate reconciliation? | GotQuestions.orgHow did Judas die? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ? | GotQuestions.orgReconciling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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