And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”1
We have examined different perspectives—from the temple setting (atonement, propitiation, expiation), to the court of law (justification), and the marketplace (redemption); now, let as understand the effect that the final work of Jesus Christ on the cross2 has on our personal relationship. The technical term we have is reconciliation.
The dictionary defines reconciliation as a noun 1. the restoration of friendly relations. 2. the action of making one view or belief compatible with another.3
Through the blood of Christ, our severed relationship with God has been repaired. Previously, we were bound, slaves to sin, and alienated from God. His holiness estopped our fellowship with him. Through Christ’s death the expansive distance was bridged—atoned for, justified, redeemed, debt paid, sins forgiven, and God’s righteous wrath averted.
“The grand paradox or supreme irony of the Christian faith is that we are saved both by God and from God.”4
Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.5
In him you also when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.6 “And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the LORD. “And as for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the LORD: “My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children’s offspring,” says the LORD, “from this time forth and forevermore.”7
Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD.8
Notes:
1. Revelation 21:3-4
2. John 19:30
3. Dictionary, Google.com
4. R.C. Sproul, quote
5. Acts 3:19-21
6. Ephesians 1:13-14
7. Isaiah 59:20-21
8. Psalm 107:43
