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YOU HAVE BEEN RECONCILEDReconciliation means to remove the enmity or quarrel between two people and bring them together in peace.
On four occasions the New Testament speaks of the work and ministry of Christ in terms of reconciliation (Romans 5:10; Ephesians2:16; Colossians 1:21; 2Corinthians 5:18-21).
In reconciliation God deals with our sin and brings us to Himself in peace and as His redeemed children. All t his God accomplishes in Christ.
How does He do it? Read again 2 Corinthians 5:18-21.
1. God does not impute, put our sin to our account. He cancels the debt we have incurred by breaking His law (v. 19).
2. Our sin is imputed to (put to the account of) Jesus (v. 21a).
3. The punishment our sin deserves is poured out upon the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus pays our debt. He is treated as the sinner should be, and He dies (Isaiah 53:5).
4. The righteousness of Jesus is put to our account (v.21b). We are treated as children of God, joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).
Having been reconciled, you now have access to God (Ephesians 2:16-18).
'Reconciliation is amazing. But this is more wondrous and more amazing. Reconciliation is not the end. Beyond reconciliation we have access to the Father . . .My friends, this is the grand end and object of salvation, that we enter into the presence of God and have fellowship with Him. We are no longer afar off, we have been made nigh, we are brought right in, we are face to face with Him, we have fellowship with God. To know God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. Have you got the access, have you realized it? Are you exercising your right to it?'
D.M. Lloyd-Jones