This sermon explores the most vital restoration project in history: the reconciliation between the Creator and His creation. The message focuses on moving from a state of hostility and distance to a state of peace and proximity through the work of Jesus Christ.
Reconciled with God: From Enemies to Friends
Base Text: 2 Corinthians 5:17–20
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ... we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God."
Introduction
In this powerful passage, the Apostle Paul speaks about a profound gift: the gift of reconciliation. To reconcile means to restore a relationship, to change from enmity to friendship, and to return to a state of peace.
Many people feel a "void" or a sense of distance from God, but they don't always understand why that distance exists or how to bridge it. Today, we will look at the reality of our separation, God’s passionate desire to bring us back, and the bridge He built to make it possible.
I. The Great Barrier: Sin Separates Us from God
Before we can appreciate the "Good News" of reconciliation, we must understand the "bad news" of our current condition apart from Christ.
• Falling Short of Glory: In Romans 3:23, we are told that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Sin is not just "breaking a rule"; it is missing the mark of God’s perfect nature.
• The Hidden Face: The prophet Isaiah explains that God’s hand is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear, but "your iniquities have separated you from your God" (Isaiah 59:1–2).
Key Truth: Sin acts as a wall that hides God’s face from us and interrupts the fellowship we were created to enjoy.
II. The Divine Invitation: God Wants You Back
Despite our rebellion, God is not looking for reasons to keep us away; He is actively calling us to return.
• A Personal Call: Through the prophet Zechariah, God gives a simple, heartfelt command: "Return to Me... and I will return to you" (Zechariah 1:3).
• The Gospel Megaphone: God doesn't whisper His invitation in secret. He calls us through the Gospel—the proclamation of what He has done for us (2 Thessalonians 2:14).
• A Rescue Mission: God knows the end result of our separation is death, but His desire is to rescue us and offer us the gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23).
III. The Perfect Solution: God Sent Salvation
Reconciliation is impossible through human effort. We cannot climb the wall of sin; God had to come down to us.
• The Word Became Flesh: To reach us, God became one of us (John 1:14). Jesus is the only one who can stand in the gap because He is both fully God and fully man.
• The Lamb of God: Jesus came with a specific mission: to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29). He didn't just cover sin; He removed the legal barrier between us and the Father.
• Reconciliation Through Death: While we were still sinners—and essentially enemies of God—Christ died for us (Romans 5:8–10).
• The Result—Peace and Proximity:
◦ He is our peace, breaking down the middle wall of separation (Ephesians 2:14, 16).
◦ Those who were once "far off" have been brought near by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13).
◦ Because of Him, we now have access (an open door) to the Father (Ephesians 2:18).
See Also
- Can Man Justify His Own Sins and Actions?
- What is the Older Women responsibility in the church?
- The School of Christ: What to Unlearn and What to Master
Conclusion: Your Choice to Be at Peace
God has already done His part. He has sent His Son, paid the debt, and opened the door. The message of the ambassador is simple: "Be reconciled to God."
• The Resisted Invitation: God wants to gather us, but often we are the ones who refuse (Matthew 23:37).
• The Knock at the Door: Jesus stands at the door and knocks. He will not force His way in; the handle is on your side (Revelation 3:20).
The Final Call: Do not remain at a distance. God has provided the way to be at peace with Him. Obey the Gospel today, accept His sacrifice, and step into the new creation that only Christ can provide.
