Reconciled

Scripture:  Romans 5:10-11 - For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

We all were once alienated and were enemies in our mind by wicked works against God.  To be alienated means to be cut off or separated from God.  (Colossians 1:21)  Thankfully, God  sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die on the cross to pay the price for our sins; so that once man believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, he/she would be reconciled (restored, forgiven) into a right relationship with God.  (II Corinthians 5:19 - that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.)  Because of Christ’s death, He has reconciled both Jews and Gentiles as one.  For He Himself is our peace – who has made us (Jews and Gentiles) one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.  Now we have been made a new man in Christ – reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.  (Ephesians 2:14-16)  Now the good news is, that we are now in Christ and have hope!  Previously, we were far off, but now we are near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:12-13)  Now therefore we are no longer strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.  We should rejoice because our foundation is built on the apostles and prophets and Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone.  We are also being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Now that we have been reconciled to God, He has a purpose for our lives.  We are His temple --and God the Holy Spirit came into us to make a permanent dwelling place in us to live a holy life unto God.  (I Corinthians 6:19-20, II Corinthians 6:16)  Also, the new man’s purpose is found in II Corinthians 5:19-21.  (II Corinthians 5:19-21 - that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.)
 
God has called us to the ministry of reconciliation.  As ambassadors of Jesus Christ, we have a new life and new responsibilities.  (An ambassador is a representative of Christ on earth with his lifestyle,)  The message of the gospel of Jesus Christ is His death, burial, and resurrection.  (John 3:16 and I Corinthians 15:3-4)  When a sinner believes on Jesus Christ with a repentant heart, he is reconciled.

Prayer:  Dear Father, thank you for reconciling me back to You through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, Your Son.  Help me to obey You -- telling others about the true message of salvation – that changes lives.  Help me to always rejoice because I have been reconciled!  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Pastor Robert Williams)