Monday: Reconciliation ~ God’s Gift From the Cross
“For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility … that he might … reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross” (Ephesians 2:14-16, ESV).
How does Paul describe the cross and the impact of Christ’s work there in each of these passages in Ephesians? How would you summarize what Paul says about the cross and how it transforms our relationships? (See Ephesians 1:7-8; Ephesians 4:32; Ephesians 2:13-14; Ephesians 2:16; Ephesians 5:2, Ephesians 5:25.)
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In the context of our passage for this week, Ephesians 2:11-22, the cross yields three great assets for believers: (1) Gentiles, who were “far” from God and His people, are “brought near” (Ephesians 2:13, ESV) to both, being now sons and daughters of God and brothers and sisters of Jewish believers (Ephesians 2:19); (2) the “hostility” (Greek, echthran, “enmity,” related to echthros, “enemy”) between Jewish and Gentile believers is itself “put to death” (Ephesians 2:16, NASB). The cross of Christ removes what seemed to be the permanent state of hostility and war in which Jews and Gentiles were sworn enemies (Ephesians 2:17); (3) in the place of hostility comes reconciliation. It was Christ’s purpose to “reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross” (Ephesians 2:16, NKJV; compare Colossians 1:19-22).
What does reconciliation look like? How does it feel to be reconciled? Imagine severe estrangement between a mother and daughter, one that has settled in over a period of years. Imagine this rancor being dissolved in a wave of grace and forgiveness and the ensuing reunion between the two. That is reconciliation. Reconciliation is experienced in the moment when one church member lays aside whatever issue divides from another and acknowledges the other church member as a beloved brother or sister, who accepts what has been offered. Reconciliation is not a mechanical or legal term but an interpersonal one that celebrates the mending of broken relationships. Paul dares to imagine Christ’s powerful work on the cross as impacting the relationships, between not just individuals, but also people groups. He imagines it invading our lives and destroying our divisions, dissolving our quarrels, and renewing our fellowship with and understanding of each other.
| In what ways might you need to apply the principles here to be reconciled to someone else? How do you go about doing it? |
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The reconciliation between God and us comes with the corollary that we should extend that reconciliation to those around us. As I mentioned yesterday we often have a "them and us" approach in our interaction with others and that comes with the Christians having the truth and the others better learn it from us, or else.
One of the serious criticisms I have heard about Christianity from Atheists is that Christians like to think they have a stranglehold on morality and ethics. My experience is that many atheists hold a high ethical standard. I am not trying to deny that morality comes from God, but I am willing to work with folk who recognise the importance of morality, even if they do not acknowledge the same source for that as I do. A non-antagonistic acceptance of common ground is a step in the right direction of reconciliation.
Jesus died for us while we were still sinners, showing the depth he would go to to effect reconciliation between God and us. And in the light of the cross, how far should we go in our reconciliation to those who do not believe in God. (and just to be sure here, I am not proposing that reconciliation means compromise.)
Firstly we must be reconciled with God which creates a foundation of peace with fellow human beings,and then we reconcile at the level of humanity.Just like Zaccheus who first had a good relationship with Christ,then went on to reconcile his personal relationships.We must not condone racism.There must not be pride and selfishness amongst us.Let us recognize that peace is only found in Christ,who will revolutionalise our lives,He is our source of peace as we live in a world filled with hostilities and hatred.We must also be God’s instruments to reconcile different people who are having a conflict.
The many calamities humans had to suffer confirm what a heart far from God can do. Our reconciliation starts with God, not because we desire a perfect world, but because God can save us from this sinful world.
Jesus Christ came, suffered, died and risen. It's all shows His love ❤️ for humanity. To redeemed from sin. So that every person should be reconciled to his Creator , that love us much. We are sinners, that the gift of grace from God through our faith to Jesus must always be remembered His agony in the cross just to reconcile with Him. We should not forget the suffered pain of Jesus, we must always act for reconciliation - to have peace in our heart that brings honor to Him. Sometimes we do things in our life that gives dishonor to our dear Creator/Provider, but because we wanted to have peace we asks forgiveness from Him, and we make our path straight again , thank you for the gift of reconciliation that moves our heart/mind in reality for our eternal life we wish for with our love ones and the Lord God. 🙏
Lord, please give us a strength of faith so much we can praise you and give honor to your holy name , may reconciliation with our brethren be our habit now to have peace, as we are waiting for your second coming. I pray 🙏 all for this. ❤️
Paul emphasizes that through the cross, Jesus reconciled humanity with God and among each other. Ephesians 1:7-8 highlights forgiveness through Christ's sacrifice, while Ephesians 4:32 calls believers to forgive each other as Christ forgave us. Ephesians 2:13-14 portrays the cross as the unifying factor between Jews and Gentiles, breaking down divisions and establishing peace. In Ephesians 2:16, Paul further illustrates that Jesus reconciles both groups to God through the cross, eliminating hostility. Ephesians 5:2 and 5:25 symbolize Christ's selfless love on the cross, which should guide believers' lives and marital relationships. According to Paul, the cross symbolises divine love, forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity that should inform and transform all our relationships.
Reconciliation may start in one heart, but to be complete has to find a place in another. Reconciliation is about relationships. Reconciliation is about peace, forgiveness, forgetting, about a new beginning. Reconciliation could be about self-denial, a chance for renovation. It is about change and continuity. Firm binding to God is the ultimate link for restoring broken ties.
Several questions came to mind – Paul is recorded in Eph.2:16 – saying: “.. and that Jesus might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.” How does He do that on the cross? Or, what does the 'cross' do to reconcile Jews and Gentiles and end the enmity? What is Christ’s “powerful work on the cross” – how does that 'impact relationships'?
I read what the lesson writer explains to be the 'what for', but it does not address 'how' the cross does that. Gentiles have always been welcome to accept the Jewish faith and follow the law of Moses. What has changed that Jews and Gentiles are now able to stand before God as equals?
Is this not because the reconciliation is spiritual instead of physical? God set the children of Israel aside to be a unique, special people/nation for the purpose to demonstrate to the nations around them that their God rewards obedience to His laws as He changes hearts and minds. In this dispensation, God's protection is now available to all, Jew and Gentil, through faith.
What has changed is that the Law of Moses has been replaced by the Covenant of Faith, inviting everyone who believes to become a member of God’s family. All who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, representing the Father’s Will for mankind to have life by, can obtain His Salvation through faith. No more priviledge through birth, no more separation based on cultural ethnicity!
Anyone seeking righteousness hears the Holy Spirit knocking on their heart's door. All believers throughout the world are invited to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ by faith and live as the children of God in His spiritual kingdom here on earth - being brothers and sisters in Christ!
Jesus’ work was to draw people to His Father, preaching and teaching the Word of God and showing Himself as a faithful Son – this was His mission. As God’s Son, it was His desire to let everyone know that whoever accepted Him as God's Son would be His brothers and sisters.
Thank God, that by the Grace and Mercy of God - faith, love, and trust are now the only aspects by which God establishes our relationship with Him through His Holy Spirit.
Thank you Brigitte, this is a pivotal point.