Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  6000 Sin and salvation  »  6600 Aspects of salvation  »  6716 reconciliation  »  6717 reconciliation, of the world to God

On account of sin, people are alienated from God and cut off from fellowship with him. Through Jesus Christ, God reconciles the world to himself, breaking down the barriers of hostility and estrangement.

A broken relationship through sin brings alienation from God

Isaiah 59:2 See also Genesis 3:23-24 the expulsion from Eden; Genesis 4:13-14 Cain's alienation from God; Isaiah 48:22; Isaiah 64:7; Jeremiah 33:5; Luke 18:13 the tax collector's prayer for mercy; Romans 5:10; Romans 8:7; Ephesians 2:1-3,12; Ephesians 4:18; Colossians 1:21; James 4:4

God takes the initiative in bringing about reconciliation

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 See also Romans 5:6-8; Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 2:4-5; 1 John 4:10

The means of reconciliation is the death of Jesus Christ

Romans 5:6 See also 2 Corinthians 5:18-19,21; Ephesians 2:13,16; Colossians 1:20

The results of reconciliation are both personal and universal

Peace with God

Romans 5:1 See also Acts 10:36-46; Ephesians 2:14-19; Colossians 1:21-22

Access to God

Romans 5:2 See also Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 10:19-22

Adoption as God's children

Romans 8:15-16; Galatians 3:26; Galatians 4:4-6; 1 John 3:1-2

Peacemaking throughout the universe

Colossians 1:20 See also Romans 11:15; Ephesians 1:7-10,22-23

Believers are to be the ambassadors of reconciliation

2 Corinthians 5:18-20

See also

2530  Christ, death of
4010  creation, renewal
4028  world, redeemed
5005  human race & redemption
6024  sin, effects of
6510  salvation
6614  atonement
6676  justification
6682  mediation
6720  redemption
7317  blood of Christ
8341  separation