Are You Wanting to Be Reconciled to God?

The Bible has some great doctrines.

Propitiation
Redemption
Substitutionary Death

Such doctrines are important doctrines as they explain and give understanding of why Jesus was born to die on a cross.

They explain foundational and important teachings such as sacrifice, freedom from sin, freedom from slavery to Satan, to name but a few things.

But Why?

We often hear Christians say such things as,

“Jesus died for you.”
“Jesus died for you so you can be forgiven.”
“Jesus died for because he loves you.”
Jesus died to give you eternal life.”

All true statements. But why? Why did Jesus do all those things and more for us?

All these truthful, honest, and wonderful statements tend to make you and me and the rest of humanity the main reason for the Cross.

But there is a bigger picture than just you and me and the whole of humanity.

There is a doctrine that encapsulates all that Christ achieved through his birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension.

In fact, for me, and I hope for you, this doctrine makes true sense of all that Christ has achieved. To me it is a beautiful doctrine.

The Meaning of Reconciliation

The first part of 2 Corinthians 5:19 tells us;

¹⁹that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.

The Doctrine of reconciliation is the biblical teaching that God has made the way for people to be reconciled to Him has been achieved.

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ

This doctrine encapsulates the victory that Christ won through his life, death, resurrection, and ascension.

What’s it all About?

If someone comes up to you and asks, . . .

Why did Jesus die on a cross?
Why did He have to take a beating?
What’s the reason Christians talk about the blood of Jesus?
What’s Jesus and Christianity all about?

Great answer and starting point to answer them is the first part of the Scripture above. (2 Corinthians 5:19)

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ

Even if you don’t get the chance to say much else, it’s a great thought for people to take away.

I personally think that Reconciliation is probably one of Father God’s favourite words.

It means he can restore people into fellowship with himself.

I see that the whole journey of bringing about the salvation of humanity is ultimately for that reason, to be reconciled to the Father.

I’m sure to Father God that the outcome of reconciliation makes all that Christ suffered worthwhile. Otherwise, He may not have let Jesus go through what He did.

I mean, would God have let Jesus go through the cross just to free us from Sin but for Him not to be reconciled to his creation?

That is an unbearable thought.

Propitiation, Redemption, and Substitutionary Death

I mentioned;

Propitiation
Redemption
Substitutionary Death

Propitiation deals with the wrath of God towards sin. Through the cross justice is met because Jesus took the wrath of God on our behalf. So we are released from facing the wrath of God because of our personal sin.

Redemption releases a person from Slavery to Sin and Satan. Just like when a person redeems an item from a Pawnbroker. An item is pawned and to gain ownership of the item again a redemption fee has to be paid. If the fee is not paid the Pawnbroker will not release the item. A ransom fee must be paid. Jesus paid the ransom on the cross.

Substitutionary Death releases a person from the penalty of death for their sin. When Jesus died on the cross, He died to take the penalty for sin upon Himself. The fact that He rose from the dead proved that he had overcome sin and sin could not keep Him dead.

And all those things needed to happen so that Reconciliation between Father God and his creation could become a reality.

Some Important Greek Words

There are a number of words in the New Testament Greek which are interpreted ‘Reconciliation.’

DIALLASSO: Is used as reconciliation in cases of mutual hostility.

Matthew 5:23-24

²³“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, ²⁴leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. NIV

Two parties both need to deal with the issues to bring about reconciliation.

Another Greek word is

APOKATALLASSO: Changing completely from enmity to fellowship

Ephesians 2:12-16

¹²remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. ¹³But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

¹⁴For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, ¹⁵by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, ¹⁶and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.

The main Greek word I want to consider today is…

KATALLASSO: To Change from Enmity to Fellowship

But a little different than APOKATALLASSO: Which is also changing from enmity to fellowship.

Here is man, Here is God

Man Sinned – Turned his back on God – walked away from God

God never turned away from his creation

Even in the Garden of Eden – God was looking for man

Do we really think it’s possible for an all-knowing God to not know man had sinned?

Important precedents were set in the Garden of Eden

God did not turn his back on Adam and Eve – He came to them

Adam admitted to his sin. In effect he confessed to sin…a very important precedent was set. (he neglected to ask to be forgiven)

God made a sacrifice shedding innocent blood so Adam and Eve could receive a covering for their sin. Another precedent set.

God did not pull away from Man. He supported Man. Man/humanity turned away from God

Repentance. I’m sure It’s no mistake that repentance includes turning away from sin and turning to God for forgiveness

God does not have to turn around – He is waiting with open arms

KATALLASSO: To Change from Enmity to Fellowship

The primary reconciliation is what God accomplishes

God exercises His Grace toward sinners based on the work of Christ

Sinners are invited to return to a God who has never turned away from them

Sinners are invited to change their attitude to God

Sinners are invited to accept the provision God has made

Romans 5:9-10

⁹Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! ¹⁰For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! ¹¹Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. NIV

A Prophetic Insight

In scripture, the role of a prophet of the God has not been without it’s challenges.

I think it would be something of a shock when the Lord finally spoke through Hosea.

We are told… Hosea 1:2

When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, Hosea 1:2

Theologians tend to interpret that the ‘promiscuous woman’ would have meant a prostitute.

I’m guessing Hosea was a little perturbed at receiving this message.

If it was me, I would be looking at the Law of Moses, and probably very legalistically, and wondering if this really was a word from the Lord.

What would my family think? Bringing a woman like that into family circles. Giving her my good family name. Our family reputation would be on the line.

What would friends say. Fancy marrying someone like that. Couldn’t he find anyone better. What are you doing? Are you nuts!

What would the community say and possible do? Don’t go around to their house. Stay away from that family. What type of personal character does Hosea have?

What a position to be put in by the Lord.

What unfolds is a somewhat difficult journey for Hosea and yet a beautiful insight into God’s love for his chosen people. And a massive truth about reconciliation.

Why Marry a Promiscuous Woman

“Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the Lord.”

This ‘promiscuous woman’ is symbolic that his people have become adulterous and unfaithful to their Lord. The have prostituted themselves with other gods.

The Lord is giving his people a very clear picture of how they are treating him.

Hosea finds such a woman. Her name is Gomer. He marries Gomer the daughter of Diblaim.

I would guess the both Gomer and Diblaim could not believe their luck.

Hosea and Gomer go on to have three children who the Lord gives symbolic names to.

First son in Hosea 1:4 Jezreel

Hosea 1:4 Jezreel – Judgement on the house of Jehu for the extensive massacre he undertook at Jezeel – a massacre extending far beyond what God had commanded him.

Hosea 1:6 Lo-Ruhamah – Not loved – The Lord saying he will no longer show love to Israel that he would forgive them.

Hosea 1:9 Lo-Ammi – Not your people – you are not my people and I am not your God

These names highlight bigtime that God has very serious issues with his chosen people.

Acceptance Not Punishment

So…

The story is a bit vague but by the time we get to Hosea Chapter 3 we read.

The Lord said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.” Hosea 3:1-3

So Hosea’s wife has left him for another man, or maybe to return to prostitution.

Hosea finds her…and he has to buy her!

Theologians suggest Gomer did return to prostitution and ends up in the market place to be sold as a slave.

Imagine Gomers position.

Good hubs – accepted into a family – ran off – immoral living – destitute – up for sale – probably naked in front of a crowd – don’t get much worse – fear of who will buy –

²So I bought her for fifteen shekels^[^a^] of silver and about a homer and a lethek^[^b^] of barley. ³Then I told her, “You are to live with me many days; you must not be a prostitute or be intimate with any man, and I will behave the same way toward you.” Hosea 3:1-3

Reconciliation! A picture of a God of reconciliation.

God is giving an example to Israel through Hosea and Gomer

God’s people have committed spiritual adultery – they have prostituted themselves with other gods

God letting them know – I will buy you back!

I would guess that when Gomer went home again with Hosea she would have been waiting for the day of retribution to come.

But it never did. Hosea treated her well.

God does not welcome His children back to punish them.

He welcomes them back to fully accept and love them.

Three Parables

The parable of the lost sheep. Finding the lost sheep and teaching that there will be rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

The Parable of the Lost Coin. When the woman finds her lost coin she asks her neighbours to rejoice with her. And Jesus teaches there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents

The Parable of the Lost Son. The prodigal son.

‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’

squandered his wealth in wild living.

hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs.

“When he came to his senses,

I will set out and go back to my father

Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.

I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’

So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled withcompassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

²¹“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

²²“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ²³Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. ²⁴For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

²⁸“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. ²⁹But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. ³⁰But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

³¹“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. ³²But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

The prodigal son is a great story about a son and Father reconciliation.

But remember it’s just a parable. A story Jesus told to enlighten listeners

to truth.

The parable of the lost sheep.

The Parable of the Lost Coin.

The Parable of the Lost Son.

To know the truth Jesus wants us to understand from these parables we need to look again at the context Jesus told the parables.

It’s really important when interpreting a parable that we understand why Jesus told the parable.

The Context of the Parables

What did it say immediately before these three parables?

Luke 15:1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. ²But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

Jesus is speaking to the attitude of the Pharisees and teachers of the law

“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

I guess that means that the Pharisees see that as a bad thing.

I guess that means that the Pharisees didn’t welcome sinners or eat with them.

The parable of the lost sheep shows us heaven does not reject a sinner but welcomes and rejoices over a repentant sinner. Reconciliation is a big hit in heaven.

The Parable of the Lost Coin. Shows that angels in heaven rejoice to see a sinner reconciled to Father God.

The Parable of the Lost Son. Shows that a wayward child can return to their Father, and be fully accepted.

Reconciliation without Retribution

The lesson from the three parables seems plain.

Don’t be like the Pharisees!

Don’t reject people because of their sin.

Be prepared to connect with sinners but don’t join in with their sin.

God the Father has given the Church a special ministry.

The Church are partners with Jesus in the ministry of reconciliation.

How can we partake in that ministry if we avoid sinners!

¹⁷Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:^[^a^] The old has gone, the new is here! ¹⁸All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ¹⁹that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19

‘All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:’

God has reconciled us to Himself and wants us to take that message of reconciliation to others.

God is not on about retribution. The cross of Jesus has dealt with that.

It can be so easy to see segments of our Christian walk and compartmentalise them. Put each one in a little box so to speak.

Give over there…Receive over here…Obey here and…Witness down there…

But the sense I had and the encouragement I want to give

Is that all aspects of our Christian life actually all come together under the one umbrella – RECONCILIATION

Money – RECONCILIATION

Receiving – RECONCILIATION

Obedience – RECONCILIATION

Witness – RECONCILIATION

All aspects of our life in Christ, our life in church, ultimately work towards the ministry of RECONCILIATION

It’s what sent Jesus to the cross – to make possible the reconciliation of a lost world to His Father

The Fathers heart is a heart of reconciliation.

If you want to know how important the ministry of reconciliation is to God…

You only have to look at the cross…

What Father would willingly allow their Son to go through all that Jesus went through?

It’s not what a loving father would want for their child.

But what does Hebrews 12:2 tell us?

For the joy set before him he endured the cross,

What was the joy set before Him?

The reconciliation of a fallen world to His Heavenly Father.

The cross was horrific….but to God…..worth every moment of anguish.

What Part do we Play?

We have the ministry of reconciliation.

But we are human. We can and do fail.

When we sin….be reconciled to God

When we quench the Spirit….be reconciled to God

When we grieve the Spirit….be reconciled to God

Keep short accounts with God

Confess…..ask forgiveness….move on

Father God will NEVER turn his back on you!

Your heavenly Father never has and never will turn his back on you.

Easter week is ahead….a great week to think about reconciliation

I’ll close with 2 Corinthians 5….

2 Cor 5: