Doctrine of Reconciliation

Doctrine of Reconciliation

1. Definition: Reconciliation is the removal of the barrier of sin between God and mankind through the substitutionary spiritual death of Jesus Christ on the cross. God is reconciled to man; man is reconciled to God by faith in Christ (Rom. 5:10; 2 Cor. 5:18–20; Col. 1:20–21).
2. The barrier of sin:
   1. God's perfect righteousness and justice demand judgment for sin (Rom. 3:23; 6:23).
   2. Man's sin creates enmity and separation from God (Isa. 59:2; Eph. 2:12).
   3. The barrier consists of:
      1. Penalty of sin (spiritual death).
      2. Character of God (perfect holiness/justice).
      3. Position in Adam (inherited sin nature/spiritual death).
      4. Human good/relative righteousness (unacceptable to God).
3. Christ's work removes the barrier:
   1. Unlimited atonement: Christ bore the sins of the entire world (2 Cor. 5:19; 1 John 2:2).
   2. Redemption, expiation, propitiation satisfy God's justice (Rom. 3:24–25; Col. 2:14).
   3. God is now free to offer salvation to all without compromising His essence (2 Cor. 5:18–19).
4. Man's response: Faith in Christ reconciles the individual to God (Rom. 5:1; Col. 1:21–22).
   1. Believers are reconciled positionally at salvation.
   2. Unbelievers remain enemies until faith (Rom. 5:10).
5. Results of reconciliation:
   1. Peace with God (Rom. 5:1; Col. 1:20).
   2. Ambassadorship: Believers represent reconciled God to the world (2 Cor. 5:20).
   3. Basis for eternal security and spiritual life.
6. Reconciliation is God's work, not man's:
   1. God initiates and accomplishes reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18–19).
   2. Man receives it by non-meritorious faith.