For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. Romans 5:10
I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com
that states that Holy
Week is the most important week in all of history. As such, I continue
with one of the recommendations from the post to prepare for Holy Week,
which is to read John Piper's 40-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #21: To Reconcile Us to God. Here, John Piper explores the doctrine of reconciliation (see also RC Sproul on this topic). The Fall (Genesis 3) ushered in the need for reconciliation as the sins in the Garden of Eden brought about consequences of sin - primarily separation from God (see specifically Genesis 3:23-24). In the devotion, Piper first shares that reconciliation requires action from both man and God: "[humanity's] attitude toward God must be changed from defiance to faith. And God’s attitude to [humanity] must be changed from wrath to mercy. But the two are not the same. [All of humanity] need[s] God’s help to change; but God does not need [humanity's help]." Piper then shares how God does not need to actually change because is it is "in His nature" to love and save us. Reconciliation occurs as a result of "God’s own planned action to stop being against me and start being for me." Romans 5:10 is described as key for us to understand because God's action towards us was done both first and while we were still hostile to Him. Most hostility towards God is described as not "consciously hostile" but instead as "quiet insubordination and indifference." God's first move towards us in reconciliation is then described by referencing other scripture - specifically Matthew 5:23-24 - where the text shares that believers, if you are to offer a gift at the at the alter, you are first to reconcile with a brother then offer your gift. Piper concludes the devotion by sharing: "...when we hear the gospel of Christ, we find that God has already done that: He took the steps we could not take to remove his own judgment. He sent Christ to suffer in our place. The decisive reconciliation happened “while we were enemies.” Reconciliation from our side is simply to receive what God has already done, the way we receive an infinitely valuable gift." Rejoice in the gift of salvation and reconciliation with God!
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, thank You for the reconciliation that allows me to be in fellowship with You.I am not deserving of my salvation nor the reconciliation You provide. My sin is great and it continues - daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
