RECONCILIATION Our salvation in Christ is so wonderful that the Holy Spirit used a variety of words to help us understand the far-reaching effects of the work of Christ. For example, the word 'justification' is used to convey the truth that in God's sight we have been declared righteous and are accepted by Him. Redemption is necessary because of the bondage sin has brought to us. But in Christ we are free and no longer slaves to sin and Satan. Regeneration is God giving new eternal life to the believer and means we are born into the family of God. To be reconciled is to be made friends again, or to have any difference settled between two people. In our case it is of course between us and God. Reconciliation means that instead of being separated from God we are now brought into fellowship with Him. Our reading tells us (v.10) this was made possible only by the death of God's own Son, Jesus Christ. He was the one in perfect fellowship with the Father. Now He has opened the door for us to join Him there. This is the greatest and only hope man can ever have of being reconciled to God. Even more, the one who enters that fellowship through Christ, will be kept there by the continuing work of Christ. Notice the last phrase of v.10. Paul said in v.11 this is something to rejoice about. It certainly is! And that rejoicing is in God Himself for all that He has done for us in Christ. Why not thank Him again today for all He has done for you - redeemed you, reconciled you and made you His child? 'TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE.' |
沒有留言:
張貼留言