WE ARE NOT IN HEAVEN YET

"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-13)

Devotion 25 of 37

THE NECESSITY OF RECONCILIATION

The matter of man's identity with the Living God is not a simplistic matter. Although, as I have already indicated, salvation is not difficult to appropriate, it is not to be approached as though it is accomplished by Divine mandate, or is completed by a process of heavenly automation. The subject of reconciliation will assist us in seeing this matter more clearly.

"Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God" (2 Cor 5:18-20, NKJV).

In the ultimate sense, salvation is traced back to God Himself: "Now all things are of God." This is an explanation of our new creatureship in Christ. The previous verse reads, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2 Cor 5:17). Being "in Christ" is the result of God's own work. He is the Creator of the one in Christ as well as the universe. The old things have receded into the background, and are ready to pass away, because of the Lord. Everything has become new, fresh, and invigorating because of the marvelous work of God. "All things" relating to this "new creation" are of God. The work was effective, and beyond all controversy.

However, lest we dismiss this work too quickly, failing to see its magnitude, the Spirit opens up the matter of reconciliation. Reconciliation involves bringing two alienated parties together. Their differences are not only resolved, but unanimity is experienced between the formerly divided parties. In the case of our salvation, all of the moral, or character, change takes place in man. God remains unchanged in His nature, yet is favorable toward the person reconciled to Him.

Let it be clear, God can have no fellowship with a person who is not reconciled to Him. Reconciliation is an absolute necessity. An unreconciled person is alienated, and cut off from God and life. Thus it is written, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (Rom 5:10). And again, "And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled" (Col 1:21). It is important to see that enemies MUST be reconciled, and that those alienated from God must be brought into harmony with Him. No one will dwell in the house of the Lord forever who is at a fundamental variance with Him. To put it another way, those whose thoughts and ways are in conflict with those of God are in jeopardy, regardless of their profession.

The necessity of this reconciliation is seen in the vicarious, or substitutionary sacrifice of Christ. God was "in Christ," reconciling the world to Himself. He was "in Christ" by purpose, for Christ was fulfilling His will. He was in Christ by desire, for Jesus was fulfilling His longing. Jesus was as necessary to God as He was to us. His death did not merely meet a need of humanity, but one of God Himself. He could not receive unreconciled people. Thus, Christ's death met the righteous demands of the Lord: i.e., what was required for men to be reconciled to God. Essentially, that involved Jesus becoming sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (2 Cor 5:21).

Still, the salvation required further involvements. There had to be a message that announced this reconciliation, and an appointed procedure of making that message known. Regarding the procedure, our text calls this "the ministry of reconciliation." In the matter of what is declared, it is the "word of reconciliation." Even though God was "in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself," that reconciliation is not realized without the ministering of the word of reconciliation. Here is something declared to have been effective by God working "in Christ," yet it cannot be realized until it is announced. This is the precise point of Romans 10:14-17.

But this matter does not end here. After affirming himself to be among Christ's "ambassadors," Paul boldly declares to the Corinthians, "We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God" (2 Cor 5:21). He does not say this is what he DID, but what he DOES. The literal meaning of the expression "Be ye reconciled to God" is most powerful. Based upon its use with the dative case, as well as the plain contextual meaning, it reads "Get reconciled to God, and do it now!"

And how is it that the Spirit would move the Apostle who "labored more abundantly than they all" to speak in such a manner to the church? This is addressed to "the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints in Achaia. These were qualified to receive "grace and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Cor 1:1-3). Yet, they were strongly admonished, "Be reconciled to God!"

If it were not possible for variance to again insert itself between us and God, there would be no need for being "reconciled to God." The very presence of this exhortation shows us the tenuous nature of life in this world. Until we leave the body we will not move beyond the need to hear this admonition. There will come no time in our walk of faith where there is no longer any need to be concerned about being united with the Lord in our thoughts and ways. Hear the word of the Lord, and take is seriously. "Be ye reconciled to God!"

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I confess I want to variance between myself and You. I receive Your word to be "reconciled" to You, and do so gladly.

-- Tomorrow: THE ESSENTIALITY OF THE SPIRIT'S MINISTRY --