InterconnectedSample

Reconciled Through Redemption

Redemption. Reconciliation. Most people don’t use these words in everyday conversation, so when we come across them, we can easily overlook their significance and the effect they have on our faith.

“But God—so rich is He in His mercy. . . even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ . . .”—Ephesians 2:4-5 (AMP)

Look back at Isaiah 43:1. The word redeemed means ransomed or bought back. God is saying, “There is nothing to fear anymore. I have ransomed you. I have paid your debt in full.”

God then perfected and completed this work of redemption through Jesus. In Romans 5:8 (NKJV), we find those two wonderful little words again: But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

But that’s not all.

For those who believe in Christ, this work of redemption results in the complete restoration of relationship with God and each other. This is known as reconciliation. This word implies a shift from enmity to friendship. Our sin not only separated us from God, it also separated us from one another. When Christ died for us, He bought back our oneness. The miracle of reconciliation is that it brings us back into fellowship with God and one another.

God then handed over this ministry of reconciliation to us. In 2 Corinthians 5:18 (AMP) it says, “But all things are from God, who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself [received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself] and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation [that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him].”

We are now responsible to carry out the ministry of reconciliation by showing the world what oneness looks like. This is accomplished through love. We have been reconciled to one another through our redemption, so we have a responsibility to receive these truths and walk in unhindered fellowship with God and with others.

DIG: What does redemption and reconciliation mean?
DISCOVER: Are you receiving the full redemption of Christ in your life? Do you believe you have been completely forgiven and able to experience an unhindered relationship with God?
DISPLAY: Be reconciled to those around you! Rely on the Spirit within you to show you how and then choose to walk in oneness through love.