October 5, 2004

THE RECONCILER

"For if, when 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!" (Romans 5:10, NIV).

Ever since sin surfaced on our planet, a state of alienation and hostility has existed between God and man. Something had to be done to restore man's relationship with God.

That's where Christ, the great "Reconciler," comes into action. In due time, God gave His beloved Son so that sinners could be reconciled to God (see John 3:16). The vicarious death of God's Son made it possible for God to do for mankind what He otherwise could not have done (see Romans 3:25, 26). Christ's death made Him the great "Reconciler." The reconciliation that He has effected by His death has produced the renewal of a loving relationship with God (see Romans 3:20, 28; 5:1). Through the "Reconciler" we have pardon, restoration, and peace with God.

Since we are reconciled by Christ's death, we are also brought into a living union with Him by His life. Our "Reconciler" is the One who lives to make intercession for us (see Hebrews 7:25). He came "to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven" (Colossians 1:20, NIV). This is the grand finale of the work of reconciliation and restoration. "Reconciliation means that every barrier between the soul and God is removed, and that the sinner realizes what the pardoning love of God means. By reason of the sacrifice made by Christ for fallen men, God can justly pardon the transgressor who accepts the merits of Christ."--Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 396.

My Prayer Today: Lord, by Your reconciling power You have brought me peace with God. Amen.