From Forgiveness to Reconciliation, Part 2: Ministers of Reconciliation

In 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 Paul speaks about reconciliation in its gospel context. What he does in this chapter is to remind us first that we have been reconciled to God, and then he tells us that we have been entrusted with “the message of reconciliation.” (v 19b) We are now “ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.” (v 20) Thus we preach, “be reconciled to God.” (v 21)

A quick reading of vv 11-21 reveals that Paul is not concerned with relationships between human beings when he speaks about reconciliation. He is primarily concerned with the alienation that exists between sinners and God and the reality that it was “through Christ” he has “reconciled us to himself.” (v 19a) God took the first step to restore a broken relationship with sinful humanity by providing a way for forgiveness of sin through the sacrifice of Christ. This forgiveness is what removed the barrier between humanity and God and overcame the alienation that once existed between him and us.

All believers, then, are entrusted with this message of reconciliation. We are to proclaim the good news of God’s forgiveness and the possibility of restoration with God. This ministry involves the proclamation of the gospel and its assurance that sins are forgiven by faith in Jesus Christ. Sin is what prevents us from having a relationship with God, it has alienated us from him, but through Jesus’ perfect sacrifice on the cross atonement was made and thus there can be harmony between sinners and God. 

As I mentioned this passage is not focused on reconciliation between people, but reconciliation between God and sinners. Yet there is application to how we are to reconcile with each other when sin has entered into our relationships because our relationship with God governs and guides how we operate among ourselves. I think we can see that reconciliation between people is a natural consequence of being reconciled to God.

Recall what we said about reconciliation in our last blog. Reconciliation seeks to restore, as much as is possible, a broken relationship. Because of this focus, reconciliation is dependent on the other person’s attitude, actions, and willingness to reconcile as well as our own. Both sides must work toward it. The offended party must forgive. The offender must repent. Both parties need to pursue a restoration of relationship.

This is exactly what we see modeled for us in these verses.

First, reconciliation must be focused on the real problem -- sin. If reconciliation is to happen we must understand that the relationship is broken and a broken relationship is usually caused by sin in one and often both parties. When we approach the issue like this we realize both the severity of the barriers to reconciliation and that the solution to the broken relationship lies outside of any party involved.

Second, reconciliation must be focused on the real solution -- Jesus Christ. This may sound a bit weird, but God needed Jesus to be reconciled to us which is why he sent him. Due to sin, there simply was no other way for God to be reconciled to us than the sacrifice of Christ. This is the same for our reconciliation to each other -- we need Jesus. If sin is the barrier to restoration between parties the only solution to broken relationships is the gospel. In our union with Christ we have been given victory over sin; we have been made a new creation; we have the Holy Spirit’s transformative power given to us by Christ. In Christ we have all that we need to forgive or seek forgiveness and to lead a transformed, reconciled life. 

Third, reconciliation is costly. We discussed this last time as well. For the offended party they need to forgive as their Heavenly Father has forgiven them. For the offending party they need to repent and turn from sin. Neither one of these are easy tasks and both of them require a transformation of heart that only Christ can provide through repentance and faith. What is required to reconcile means that we must turn from ourselves and embrace what God has done for us in Christ and live out that reality in our relationships with others. If we are the one offended we recognize that our offense against God which he forgave us is so much greater than any offense that anyone has ever done to us. So we freely forgive and seek reconciliation. If we are the offending party we recognize that in Christ all of our past, present, and future sins are forgiven no matter how great. So we embrace this forgiveness given to us on account of Christ’s sacrifice and seek forgiveness and reconciliation from those whom we have offended. 

Last, reconciliation is only possible when we seek this solution by faith and repentance. Faith and repentance are the means by which God has outlined for us to grow in him. They are two sides of the same coin, so to speak, and together they lead to a changed heart. Only a transformed and sanctified heart will be able to embrace what is needed for reconciliation to happen. 

Soli Deo Gloria