Reconciliation, inChristian theology, is an element ofsalvation that refers to the results ofatonement. Reconciliation is the end of the estrangement, caused byoriginal sin, betweenGod andhumanity.John Calvin describes reconciliation as the peace between humanity and God that results from theexpiation of religious sin and thepropitiation of God's wrath.[1]Evangelical theologianPhilip Ryken describes reconciliation in this way; "It is part of the message of Salvation that brings us back together with God. ... God is theauthor, Christ is theagent and we are theambassadors of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5)."[2] Although it is only used five times in thePauline corpus (Romans 5:10-11, 11:15,2 Corinthians 5:18-20,Ephesians 2:14-17 andColossians 1:19-22) it is an essential term, describing the "substance" of thegospel andsalvation.[3]Ralph Martin writing in theDictionary of Paul and his Letters, suggests reconciliation is at the center ofPauline theology.[4] Stanley Porter writing in the same volume suggests a conceptual link between the reconciliationGreek word groupkatallage (orkatallasso) and theHebrew wordshalom (שָׁלוֹם), generally translated as 'peace.'[5]