Reconciliation Through Christ: Restoring Our Relationship with God
Summary
In our journey as Christians, it is crucial to understand sin not merely as a series of wrongful actions but as a disruption in our relationship with God. The first Epistle of John paints a vivid picture of this, emphasizing that our fellowship is with the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Sin, therefore, is not just a moral failing; it is an affront to our divine companionship. When we sin, we are not just breaking a rule; we are insulting our holy companion, God, who is light and in whom there is no darkness. This understanding shifts our focus from merely avoiding sin to nurturing our relationship with God.
Reconciliation is a central theme in the Bible, beginning with God's call to Abraham and the formation of Israel. Despite this, both Jews and Gentiles needed reconciliation, as the Old Testament sacrifices were insufficient to cleanse the soul. The Apostle Paul clarifies that reconciliation is achieved through Jesus Christ alone. There is no separate path for Jews or Gentiles; all are reconciled to God in one body, the Church, through Christ's sacrifice on the cross.
The cross is not just a symbol of suffering but the means by which peace is made between God and humanity. It is through the shedding of Christ's blood that reconciliation is possible. This act was not merely a demonstration of love but a necessary atonement for sin. The enmity between God and man, caused by sin, was removed through Christ's sacrifice. This profound truth underscores the necessity of the cross in God's plan for salvation.
Key Takeaways:
1. Sin as a Relationship Breach: Sin should be viewed as a violation of our fellowship with God rather than just a moral failing. This perspective encourages us to focus on maintaining our relationship with God, which naturally leads to a life that avoids sin. [21:22]
2. Reconciliation Through Christ Alone: Both Jews and Gentiles are reconciled to God in the same way—through Jesus Christ. There is no separate path to salvation; it is only through Christ's sacrifice that we are brought into fellowship with God. [28:34]
3. The Insufficiency of Old Testament Sacrifices: The sacrifices of the Old Testament were mere shadows of the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. They covered sin temporarily but could not cleanse the soul, highlighting the necessity of Christ's atoning work on the cross. [25:09]
4. The Cross as the Means of Peace: The cross is central to reconciliation, not just as a symbol but as the means by which peace is made between God and humanity. It is through Christ's death that the enmity caused by sin is removed. [34:25]
5. God's Initiative in Reconciliation: Reconciliation is an act initiated by God, who, despite our rebellion, made the first move to restore us to Himself through Christ. This underscores the grace and love of God in the salvation process. [32:52]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[20:38] - Understanding Sin and Fellowship
[21:22] - Sin as a Violation of Fellowship
[22:57] - God's Call to Reconciliation
[23:47] - The Formation of Israel
[24:18] - The Need for Reconciliation
[25:09] - Insufficiency of Old Testament Sacrifices
[28:34] - One Way to Reconciliation
[29:58] - The Role of the Church
[31:02] - Christ's Role in Reconciliation
[32:52] - God's Initiative in Reconciliation
[34:25] - The Cross as the Means of Peace
[36:06] - Misunderstandings of the Cross
[38:25] - The Necessity of the Cross
[40:11] - The Blood of Christ and Reconciliation
[42:28] - Conclusion and Call to Unity
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 John 1:5-7
2. Ephesians 2:14-16
3. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 John 1:5-7, how is God described, and what does this imply about our relationship with Him when we sin? [21:07]
2. In Ephesians 2:14-16, what role does the cross play in reconciling both Jews and Gentiles to God? [28:34]
3. How does 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 describe God's initiative in the process of reconciliation? [32:52]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the insufficiency of Old Testament sacrifices in dealing with sin? [25:09]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does viewing sin as a breach in our relationship with God, rather than just a moral failing, change the way Christians might approach their daily lives? [21:22]
2. What does the sermon imply about the significance of the cross beyond being a symbol of suffering? How does this understanding affect the way Christians view their salvation? [34:25]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that reconciliation is a divine initiative rather than a human effort? How does this perspective influence a believer's understanding of grace? [32:52]
4. How does the sermon address the misconception that there are different paths to reconciliation for Jews and Gentiles? What does this mean for the unity of the Church? [28:34]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you viewed sin merely as a rule-breaking action. How might seeing it as a disruption in your relationship with God change your approach to sin in the future? [21:22]
2. The sermon emphasizes reconciliation through Christ alone. How does this understanding challenge or affirm your current beliefs about salvation? [28:34]
3. Consider the idea that God initiated reconciliation despite human rebellion. How does this affect your view of God's love and grace in your personal life? [32:52]
4. The sermon highlights the insufficiency of Old Testament sacrifices. How does this reinforce the importance of Christ's sacrifice in your faith journey? [25:09]
5. How can you actively nurture your relationship with God to avoid sin, rather than focusing solely on avoiding sinful actions? What practical steps can you take this week? [21:22]
6. In what ways can you contribute to the unity of the Church, knowing that all believers are reconciled to God in the same way through Christ? [28:34]
7. How does understanding the cross as the means of peace between God and humanity influence your perspective on forgiveness and reconciliation in your personal relationships? [34:25]
Devotional
Day 1: Sin as a Breach of Divine Fellowship
Sin is not merely a moral failing; it is a disruption in our relationship with God. When we sin, we are not just breaking a rule but are damaging our fellowship with God, who is light and in whom there is no darkness. This understanding encourages us to focus on nurturing our relationship with God, which naturally leads to a life that avoids sin. By viewing sin as a violation of our divine companionship, we are motivated to maintain a close and loving relationship with God, rather than simply adhering to a set of rules. [21:22]
1 John 1:6-7 (ESV): "If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively nurture your relationship with God today to prevent sin from disrupting your fellowship with Him?
Day 2: Reconciliation Through Christ Alone
Reconciliation with God is achieved through Jesus Christ alone. Both Jews and Gentiles are reconciled to God in the same way, as there is no separate path to salvation. It is only through Christ's sacrifice that we are brought into fellowship with God. This truth emphasizes the unity of all believers in the body of Christ, the Church, and the centrality of Jesus' sacrifice in God's plan for salvation. By understanding that reconciliation is through Christ alone, we are reminded of the importance of faith in Jesus as the foundation of our relationship with God. [28:34]
Ephesians 2:14-16 (ESV): "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility."
Reflection: How does knowing that reconciliation is through Christ alone impact your view of unity within the Church and your personal faith journey?
Day 3: The Insufficiency of Old Testament Sacrifices
The sacrifices of the Old Testament were mere shadows of the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. They covered sin temporarily but could not cleanse the soul, highlighting the necessity of Christ's atoning work on the cross. This understanding points to the insufficiency of human efforts to achieve reconciliation with God and underscores the need for Christ's perfect sacrifice. By recognizing the limitations of Old Testament sacrifices, we are led to appreciate the depth and significance of Jesus' sacrifice for our sins. [25:09]
Hebrews 10:1-4 (ESV): "For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins."
Reflection: Reflect on the ways you might rely on your own efforts to achieve reconciliation with God. How can you shift your focus to trust in Christ's perfect sacrifice?
Day 4: The Cross as the Means of Peace
The cross is central to reconciliation, not just as a symbol but as the means by which peace is made between God and humanity. It is through Christ's death that the enmity caused by sin is removed. This profound truth underscores the necessity of the cross in God's plan for salvation and highlights the peace that is available to us through Jesus' sacrifice. By understanding the cross as the means of peace, we are invited to embrace the reconciliation and peace that Christ offers to us. [34:25]
Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV): "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."
Reflection: How can you embrace the peace that Christ offers through the cross in your daily life, especially in areas where you feel conflict or unrest?
Day 5: God's Initiative in Reconciliation
Reconciliation is an act initiated by God, who, despite our rebellion, made the first move to restore us to Himself through Christ. This underscores the grace and love of God in the salvation process. By recognizing God's initiative in reconciliation, we are reminded of His relentless pursuit of us and His desire for a restored relationship. This understanding calls us to respond to God's love with gratitude and a willingness to be reconciled to Him. [32:52]
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (ESV): "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."
Reflection: In what ways can you respond to God's initiative in reconciliation by actively seeking to restore relationships in your own life?
Quotes
Friends, we begin to think of sins not in terms of actions which are bad but in terms of our relationship to God. The better Christians will we be. Now all this is set out very perfectly for us in the first Epistle of John. In his first chapter there, you've got a picture. [00:20:22]
The Christian is a man who is in fellowship with God, and he is walking with God. Our fellowship is truly with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ, says John. He says we, the apostles, are in this fellowship, and we want you to be enjoying it also. [00:20:47]
The moment I fall into sin, what happens? Will I break my fellowship with God? It isn't only that that action is wrong. I'm insulting my companion. I'm doing something in the presence of the holy God who is light that is to Him hate and abhorrent. [00:21:52]
In my personal experience and in my experience as a pastor, there is no important discovery that the Christian can make in his battle with sin, with particular sins, than just this very thing. What I tell people always is this: look here, I say, stop praying about that particular thing that gets you down. [00:22:41]
Make your praying positive. Think of it in terms of your fellowship with God. Don't think of it merely in terms of you are going down and that particular thing. Turn your back on it if you like. Begin to think of yourself as a companion of God and of Christ. [00:23:09]
The term reconciliation at once brings us face to face with that. We've been out of fellowship. We need to be restored to fellowship. Now God, in the call of Abraham and in the forming of the nation of Israel, was already taking this great move to bring that reconciliation to pass. [00:23:47]
The Apostle tells us here that the Jews as well as the Gentiles need to be reconciled to God. It isn't only the Ephesians who needed the reconciliation. The Jews did. Why? Well, here is the answer of the New Testament. All the Levitical sacrifices, the burnt offerings, and the sacrifices. [00:24:27]
The killing of the Pascal lamb and the daily lamb and the presentation of the blood and all the rest of it, all this rich and elaborate ceremonial was really not sufficient. It was merely a shadow of something that was to come. It was merely a covering over of the sins of men. [00:24:45]
The Apostle teaches here that they are both reconciled to God in exactly the same way, not separately, and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body. That's the point. That's his emphasis here. Now the one body does not mean the physical body of the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:27:34]
There is only one way of being reconciled to God. There is one God and one mediator only between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. There are no separate ways into the kingdom of God for Jew and Gentile. There is only one way, and this is it, the one body. [00:28:26]
The reconciliation is achieved and produced by the Lord Jesus Christ, and that He, the Lord Jesus, might reconcile both unto God in one body. He, oh that we might be all clear about this, there is no hope from men apart from Him. [00:30:58]
God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, and there is no other way. Here the Apostle puts the emphasis upon the Lord Jesus Christ. It was God who sent Him, but it is He by coming and by all His passive and active obedience who has done it. [00:31:49]
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