Chapter 4 - Reconciliation
Introduction
As believers, reconciliation is an important concept to understand and apply. In its simplest form it means to restore friendly relations, but that explanation does not help much regarding what it means from a Biblical perspective. The Bible approaches the subject from two points of view, first being the reconciliation between God and man, and the second is that we believers are given the ministry of reconciliation, a task, something to do.
Perhaps the closest Hebrew word that could be translated as reconciliation is rāṣāh which refers to treat someone favorably or to pay off. In the New Testament we can find several words that can relate to reconciliation. The first Greek word is katallássō a verb that refers to the reestablishing interpersonal relations, to make things right again (see Romans 5:10; 1 Corinthians 7:11; 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19, 20). The Greek verb apokatallássō is considered the ’stronger’ term as it refers to setting up a relationship of peace that did not previously exist (see Ephesians 2:16; Colossians 1:20, 21). The noun katallagḗ points to the change itself (or the process of change) typically from from a state of enmity between persons to one of friendship (see Romans 5:11; 11:15; 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19). The verb diallássomai is only found once in the New Testament, it refers to reconciling oneself (see Matthew 5:24). Our last word is the verb sunelaúnō, again only found once, meaning to bring together in one place, used figuratively to persuade (see Acts 7:26).
Be Reconciled to God
The first step is to be reconciled to God, to establish a relationship with Him. Jesus did all the work, all we need to do is accept what He did for us. Paul wrote, “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.” (Romans 5:10, ESV) The word reconcile is also an accounting term meaning to make one account match or be consistent with another. In regard to our ‘salvation account’ we have nothing of value, our righteousness cannot reconcile the debt we owe. God Himself offers us what we need to restore our relationship with Him and much more. Of course I am not referring to money or any other object of value. God is the creator, what would He need of money? But there is something He wants…you!
The Ministry of Reconciliation
All believers have been given the ministry of reconciliation. Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:18-20) See that Paul is acknowledging that Jesus reconciled us to Himself (He did all the work) and since we are His ambassadors, He wants us to let the world know that He is not counting their trespasses (sins) against them as long as they are in Christ. God wants everyone to be reconciled to Him.
Note that Paul referred to believers being a “new creation,” and that the old has passed away (see also John 3:3; Romans 6:4). The words translated as “has passed away” is the verb parēlthen which is in the Greek aorist tense (referring to action that happened but may not be completed until a designated time in the future), perhaps implying when we die or get raptured. In other words we are made perfect so that we can enjoy heaven with Jesus.