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May 18, 2004
What does it mean to be reconciled with God? And how do we become reconciled to Him? Is it something WE have to do? We know He is Holy, and we are so sinful – how could we ever find a way to reconcile ourselves to Him? The Bible tells us there is nothing good in us – even our heart is deceitful and incurably evil, or desperately wicked – Jeremiah 17:9. So how could we offer anything acceptable enough to Him that would reconcile us to Him?
In Romans 5:8, 10 & 18, we find these words – “But God shows and clearly proves His own love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us”----Verse 10 - “If while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, it is much more certain, now that we are reconciled, that we shall be saved (daily delivered from sin’s dominion) through His resurrection life”. Verse 18 – “Well then, as one man’s trespass (one man’s false step and falling away) led to condemnation for all men, so one Man’s act of righteousness leads to acquittal and right standing and life for ALL men”. (Amplified Bible)
These verses clearly show that there was nothing man could do to affect reconciliation. The work had to be done by God Himself, and because of His love He sent His Son as that perfect Man – the only one Who could do such a work perfectly and effectively, on our behalf. And not only was His work effective for us who have come into that place of salvation and reconciliation with our God – it was equally effective for ALL – even those who have not yet accepted it. He died for the sins of ALL – even those who don’t – and will never receive Him.
Think of the weight He bore – the load of sins of those who are Christians would be heavy enough to carry – but add to that the far greater weight of the millions who will never receive Him – and the thought of how heavy a weight He bore is overwhelming – impossible to comprehend. Yet it must be for all, or it would not have been a complete work. His sacrifice could not have accomplished the salvation of any, unless everyone (all) were covered. There could be no loopholes, or anything the enemy could use to give men an excuse to refuse to come. No one could say it wasn’t for them, or that God only planned it for some. NO – that great work of our Lord was for the reconciliation of all – and the only thing that stands in their way is their own will and their refusal to come.
Then what does 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 mean when it tells us we are ambassadors for Christ, and that God has given us the “ministry of reconciliation”? What does it mean to be an ambassador? In the Amplified Bible verse 18 tells us that God, through Jesus Christ received us into favour, brought us into harmony with Himself, AND gave us this ministry, that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into that harmony with Him. Verse 20 tells us that as His ambassadors, God is making His appeal through us. Paul says, “ We as Christ’s personal representatives, beg you for His sake to lay hold of the divine favour now offered you, and be reconciled to God.”
I can think of no better answer to the question of what being a minister of God’s reconciliation means. I pray that we might be better ambassadors for Him, and that we all might realize the privilege of being given such a high calling.
about the author
Esther Swyer was born in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia. The eldest of eight children she married at twenty-one and promptly had six children. She became a Christian in October of 1958 at the age of twenty-five and was baptised in December of that year. She began teaching a Sunday School class of a dozen nine to ten year olds in 1961 or 1962 and has been teaching various age groups ever since.
Esther began teaching adults and leading Bible studies sometime in the seventies. She became involved in WMS in the late sixties and held various positions over the years, then in the early to mid-seventies she started serving on the Association Council. On top of all that she was involved for many years in ladies retreats serving as small groups director for around twenty years. Currently Esther is president of the WMS on the Association level, treasurer of her church, adult ladies class teacher, and is completing her third year as a church deacon.
Her first marriage ended after twenty-two years. She re-married thirteen years later in December 1988 and was widowed in June of 2000. She has eighteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Esther has just published a book about her spiritual journey.