2008-04-25 - Our Reconciliation in Christ

"For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of the cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and irreproachable in His sight." Colossians 1:19-22

Praise His Name that we are reconciled in Christ, not by or through any work of our own, but by His precious blood on Calvary. There are many things to learn through the work of Calvary - “nothing more needful or restoring than our reconciliation in Christ."

To be reconciled, according to Dictionary.com, is to be restored or to re-establish a close relationship (as in marriage). Romans 5:10 describes that broken relationship between God and us, "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." There is nothing we need, nor could do, to bring about our reconciliation. It is begun and finished by the completed work of Christ Jesus' death on His cross. We are continually being reconciled, and through Him we have given the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18 We are His ambassadors -- God is pleading through us to tell others to be reconciled to Himself. When we share Christ's gospel, we are restoring others to Him. Don't let Satan intimidate you with the word, reconciliation. When we tell others to be reconciled to Him, we are simply restoring them to God. Reconciliation restores that relationship and fellowship with the Father. Where once we were sinful and self-seeking, it has been overcome by reconciliation. And the God who reconciles us to Himself is always the same God who judges us. However, because of the shed blood of Jesus, he has not imputed our trespasses on us.

Reconciliation is quite parallel to our sanctification and justification, in that, the moment we are saved -- that moment you ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins, come live in your heart and be Lord of your life, you are reconciled. It is given to all without restriction. Free just as your salvation, it is a gift.

What an amazing truth this is for us! A promise we may cling to. A certain gift -- only to be accepted. If you have not asked the Lord Jesus to forgive your sins and be Lord of your life, I want to encourage you to make that decision today. Do not put it off another day. "Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Corinthians 6:2 Be reconciled unto Him. From the moment you were born until this day, He has been longing to reconcile you to Himself. Rest in this promise, beloved.

Tam

tam@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org