Divine Reconciliation: The Heart of the Gospel

 

Summary

In this gathering, we explored the profound and transformative message of reconciliation with God, a central theme in Reformed theology. This reconciliation is not merely a theological concept but a divine reality made possible through the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ. We delved into the heart of the gospel, which is the message of reconciliation, emphasizing that it is God who initiates this process. It is by His will that we are reconciled, and it is through His act of forgiveness that our sins are not counted against us. This divine act is not something we can achieve on our own; it is a gift from God, who desires to be reconciled with sinners.

We reflected on the story of a Muslim man on a plane, illustrating the universal need for reconciliation with God. This encounter highlighted the human condition of sin and the hope found in the gospel. The message of reconciliation is not about self-improvement or achieving a better life; it is about the forgiveness of sins and the restoration of our relationship with God. This is the message we are called to proclaim as ambassadors for Christ, urging others to be reconciled to God.

The sermon also touched on the necessity of faith in this process. While reconciliation is initiated by God, it requires a response from us—a response of faith and obedience. This is a challenging call, as it demands a turning away from sin and a complete trust in Christ's finished work on the cross. The story of a coach who, after years of resistance, finally embraced the gospel on his deathbed, serves as a powerful reminder of the urgency and importance of this message.

Finally, we examined the theological depth of 2 Corinthians 5:21, which encapsulates the essence of the gospel: Christ, who knew no sin, was made sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. This divine exchange is the foundation of our reconciliation and the hope we offer to the world.

Key Takeaways:

- Reconciliation with God is initiated by His will and is a demonstration of His nature as a Savior. Unlike the gods of false religions, the true God desires to save and reconcile sinners to Himself. This divine initiative is the starting point of our salvation. [16:22]

- The act of forgiveness is central to reconciliation. God does not count our trespasses against us, removing the barrier of sin that separates us from Him. This forgiveness is not based on our merit but on His grace and mercy. [28:33]

- Faith and obedience are essential responses to God's offer of reconciliation. While God initiates and accomplishes reconciliation, we are called to respond in faith, turning from sin and embracing the gospel. This response is both a privilege and a responsibility. [31:24]

- The substitutionary atonement of Christ is the heart of the gospel. On the cross, Jesus was treated as if He were a sinner, bearing the wrath of God for our sins, so that we might be treated as righteous. This divine exchange is the foundation of our reconciliation. [42:53]

- The righteousness of Christ is imputed to us, just as our sins were imputed to Him. This imputation is not a potential reality but an actual one for those who believe. It assures us of our standing before God and compels us to proclaim this message to others. [49:32]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:25] - Introduction and Conference Context
- [01:15] - Fellowship and Ministry Reflections
- [02:22] - The Doctrine of Substitutionary Atonement
- [03:23] - Encounter with a Muslim on a Plane
- [05:33] - The Reality of Sin and Hope in Forgiveness
- [08:17] - The Ministry of Reconciliation
- [10:00] - The Message of Reconciliation
- [12:15] - The Human Condition and Divine Initiative
- [14:31] - The Essentials of Reconciliation
- [16:22] - Reconciliation by the Will of God
- [18:52] - God's Nature as a Savior
- [21:31] - The Parable of the Prodigal Son
- [28:33] - Reconciliation by the Act of Forgiveness
- [31:24] - Reconciliation by the Obedience of Faith
- [42:53] - The Substitutionary Atonement of Christ
- [49:32] - The Imputation of Righteousness
- [51:39] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Reconciliation with God

Bible Reading:
- 2 Corinthians 5:18-21

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Observation Questions:

1. According to 2 Corinthians 5:18-21, who initiates the process of reconciliation, and how is this reflected in the sermon? [16:22]

2. What role does forgiveness play in the reconciliation process as described in the sermon and 2 Corinthians 5:19? [28:33]

3. How does the sermon illustrate the necessity of faith and obedience in the reconciliation process? [31:24]

4. What is the significance of the substitutionary atonement of Christ as explained in the sermon and 2 Corinthians 5:21? [42:53]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon explain the concept of God initiating reconciliation, and what does this reveal about His nature? [21:31]

2. In what ways does the sermon highlight the urgency of responding to God's offer of reconciliation, and how does this relate to the story of the coach? [35:55]

3. How does the sermon describe the divine exchange that occurs through Christ's atonement, and what implications does this have for believers? [49:32]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of believers as ambassadors for Christ, and how does this relate to the Great Commission? [10:46]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How can the message of reconciliation encourage you to seek restoration in your relationship with Him? [10:14]

2. The sermon emphasizes the necessity of faith and obedience in responding to God's offer of reconciliation. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith and obedience in your daily life? [31:24]

3. Consider the story of the Muslim man on the plane. How can you be more intentional in sharing the message of reconciliation with those around you? [07:13]

4. The sermon discusses the urgency of reconciliation, as illustrated by the coach's story. Is there someone in your life with whom you need to share the gospel message? How can you approach this conversation? [35:55]

5. How does understanding the substitutionary atonement of Christ impact your view of forgiveness and grace? In what ways can you extend this understanding to others in your life? [42:53]

6. As ambassadors for Christ, we are called to proclaim the message of reconciliation. What practical steps can you take to fulfill this role in your community or workplace? [10:46]

7. Reflect on the divine exchange described in 2 Corinthians 5:21. How does this truth affect your identity and confidence as a believer? How can you live out this identity in your daily interactions? [49:32]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Initiative in Reconciliation
Reconciliation with God is not something we can achieve on our own; it is initiated by God's will and is a demonstration of His nature as a Savior. Unlike the gods of false religions, the true God desires to save and reconcile sinners to Himself. This divine initiative is the starting point of our salvation. God, in His infinite love and mercy, reaches out to humanity, offering a path back to Him through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This act of grace is a profound reminder that our relationship with God is not based on our efforts but on His loving desire to bring us back into His fold. [16:22]

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you recognize God's initiative in your life today, and how can you respond to His call for reconciliation?


Day 2: The Power of Forgiveness
The act of forgiveness is central to reconciliation. God does not count our trespasses against us, removing the barrier of sin that separates us from Him. This forgiveness is not based on our merit but on His grace and mercy. It is a divine act that transforms our standing before God, allowing us to enter into a restored relationship with Him. This forgiveness is a gift that we are called to extend to others, reflecting the grace we have received. [28:33]

"Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered." (Psalm 32:1, ESV)

Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?


Day 3: Faith and Obedience in Reconciliation
Faith and obedience are essential responses to God's offer of reconciliation. While God initiates and accomplishes reconciliation, we are called to respond in faith, turning from sin and embracing the gospel. This response is both a privilege and a responsibility, requiring us to trust in Christ's finished work on the cross and to live in obedience to His teachings. It is a call to a transformed life, one that reflects the grace and love we have received. [31:24]

"And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us." (1 John 3:23, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?


Day 4: The Heart of the Gospel: Substitutionary Atonement
The substitutionary atonement of Christ is the heart of the gospel. On the cross, Jesus was treated as if He were a sinner, bearing the wrath of God for our sins, so that we might be treated as righteous. This divine exchange is the foundation of our reconciliation, offering us a new identity in Christ. It is a powerful reminder of the depth of God's love and the lengths He went to restore our relationship with Him. [42:53]

"But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding the concept of substitutionary atonement deepen your appreciation for what Christ has done for you?


Day 5: The Imputation of Righteousness
The righteousness of Christ is imputed to us, just as our sins were imputed to Him. This imputation is not a potential reality but an actual one for those who believe. It assures us of our standing before God and compels us to proclaim this message to others. This divine exchange is a source of hope and assurance, reminding us that our righteousness is not based on our actions but on Christ's perfect sacrifice. [49:32]

"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV)

Reflection: How can you live out the reality of being made righteous in Christ in your daily interactions with others?

Quotes

Thank you, Chris, for such a kind and generous introduction. It is always a delight and a privilege to participate in a Ligonier conference, even if you’re the second string. I apologize for John Piper not being here, but I was more than thrilled and more than happy to step into the huge gap that is left by his absence, and we’re trusting the Lord for divine purposes to be accomplished with the sabbatical that he’s taking over these particular months. [00:00:05]

Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. [00:09:02]

From the human side reconciliation would be impossible. Man left to himself could never bring about a reconciliation. Reconciliation has to be initiated by the offended part. And as David makes clear in Psalm 51, when he looks at his sin, he sees it as a sin against God. “Against You only have I sinned.” All sin is an offence against God. That is its primary heinous characteristic. [00:11:52]

The good news is that the offended party, who is God, has determined that He desires to be reconciled to sinners, and He has made us the agents who proclaim the availability of that reconciliation. The term we’re familiar with is ambassadors for Christ, dropping us down into verse 20, presbeumen, actually connected to presbuteros, which we know as bishops or elders, refers to those who are the representatives, those who have the responsibility. [00:13:14]

Reconciliation is by the will of God. Please notice, please notice verse 18, “All these things are from…,” whom? God. What things? The things that accompany regeneration. Verse 17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature. The old things passed away, behold new things have come.” All that is new in regeneration, all that is new in the new birth, all that is new in conversion, all that is new in salvation comes from God. [00:16:04]

God is by nature a Savior. That’s where all of this reconciliation starts. We don’t have to convince God to accept the sinner. We only have to beg the sinner to be reconciled to God. God is a Savior by nature. He is not reluctant to save. I think there’s a passage of Scripture, 1 Timothy 4:10, that says it as concisely as any, “God who is the Savior of all men, especially,” that’s the little adverb, malista, “believers.” [00:21:31]

The only way reconciliation can occur is if the one who has been offended is willing to forgive, and that’s what verse 19 says, “God was in Christ reconciling the world,” meaning humanity, “to Himself,” how?, “by not counting their trespasses against them, by not counting their trespasses against them.” That is the only way that reconciliation can take place if the barrier, the offence, the sin is removed. [00:28:20]

Reconciliation is by the will of God, it is by the act of forgiveness, and it is by the obedience of faith. It is by the obedience of faith. Where’s that? Well, it’s implied in verse 20, “God making an appeal through us, we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” Isn’t that fascinating? This is all of God, all of God. All these things are from God. It is God doing the reconciling. [00:31:14]

God treated Jesus as if He had personally committed every sin ever committed by every person who would ever believe, though in reality He committed none of them. He is a substitute. When you go out and preach the word of reconciliation, which is why you’re left here in the world, this is what you want to tell people. On our behalf…, please, I wish I had more time on this. On our behalf, He became sin on our behalf. [00:47:01]

On the cross, God looked at Christ and saw you. Now He looks at you and sees Christ. Your sin imputed to Him. His righteousness imputed to you. That is the message of reconciliation. Preach it. Father, thank You for our time, and we trust these thoughts from this great text will find a place in our hearts and in our behavior. May we love them enough to live according to them and to proclaim them. [00:51:09]

The message of the gospel is the message of reconciliation. The alienated sinner can be reconciled to God. Reconciliation with God is possible. That’s what we proclaim. That’s what we pray. That’s what we teach. That’s what we live for. And that perhaps is what some even die for. It is the unparalleled message of reconciliation with God. That’s the message that I gave the Muslim on the plane that day. [00:09:54]

The greatest New Testament parable, I think, is the parable of the prodigal. Really the hero of the parable is certainly not the prodigal, certainly not the Pharisaical older brother. The hero of the parable is the father. And the most dramatic moment in that parable is when the father is looking off for that wretched, rotten, prodigal son who has gone into the Gentile land if you will, wasted his money on prostitutes, money which was the family estate, garnered over generations and generations, now wasted by this young profligate. [00:25:06]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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