ACCEPTING JESUS RECONCILES US WITH GOD

Have you ever been wronged by someone, and thought to yourself that no matter what he says or does, I will never forgive him?  For some, they never do, but for most of us, "time heals all wounds."  Time has a way of putting events or conversations into perspective.  Eventually, we begin to compare our relationship with the person as a whole, rather than by the one offence.  Our heart softens, and for most of us, we forgive.  The conversation you and I call "making up," is what the Bible calls "reconciliation."

"Reconciliation" always requires the party who has been wronged, to be merciful toward the offender, regardless of whether or not he or she is remorseful.  Just between us, it is far easier to reconcile with someone who is repentant.  But it takes a "big person" to reconcile with someone who refuses to admit he is wrong.  In fact, I do not believe any of us are that benevolent.  And yet, God is!

The Word says, "But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8)!  Yes, even though we stubbornly reject God's view of our rebellion (sinful way of life), He sent His only begotten Son to make it possible for reconciliation!  God had said, "The wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23), but He provided a Substitute to die in our place!  Jesus, "In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Col. 1:14).

Reconciliation requires "Propitiation":  a word that, while uncommon, speaks to the Offended showing mercy on the offender.  "Propitiation" is what it takes to make things right.  In other words, God determined it required a human life in order to "make things right between a sinner and Himself (Rom. 3:23; 6:23).  "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (1 Jn. 4:10). 

"For it became Him (the Father), for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation (Jesus) perfect through sufferings.  Wherefore in all things it behoved Him (Jesus) to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God (the Father), to make reconciliation for the sins of the people" (Heb. 2:10, 17). 

Jesus died to reconcile you and me with His Father; you are forgiven IN Christ!