God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them. (II Cor. 5:19)
Reconciliation is the bringing of two parties together – the Greek word means, “to exchange enmity for friendship.” But take note: You will NEVER read in the Bible that God needed to be reconciled to man. God was never at enmity against man. Rather, it is man who is at enmity against God, and thus, it is man who needed to be reconciled to God.
Jesus Christ reconciled the world to God by His finished work. But not by changing God. Rather, He changed the human race — by making a new creature. Everything that stood between God and man was IN MAN – and Jesus took that old man upon Himself on the Cross and died. Reconciliation is therefore FINISHED.
Jesus not only did that Redemptive work that reconciled man back to God, but HE IS that reconciliation IN each believer. Believers are one with God through Jesus Christ — His very presence and life IS our reconciliation to the Father.
Now, you will also note: Paul says that Jesus reconciled the WORLD to God — He completed this work of reconciliation for the entire world – not just for believers. But this does NOT mean that people are saved regardless of whether they come to Christ. What it DOES mean is that reconciliation is finished and in place for all human beings — but now only those who DO believe will be saved — raised in Christ unto newness of life.
Herein we see a completely finished work. But we also see that it is possible to refuse to believe – possible to refuse reconciliation to God. In that case, there is nothing more God can do for us — He has already done all in Christ. And God offers all freely by His grace.
David DePra
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