Defining Reconciliation

[rvallimont]

Question for All

When thinking of “reconciliation” in an eternal sense, a question comes to mind.
“Salvation” is offered by God from the wages of sin, which is death.
Those who embrace God’s saving grace are spared from the wages of sin leading to death.
Those who do not accept God’s saving grace will (presumably) be subjected to the wages of sin and death.
Does “reconciliation” require “salvation”? Or can “reconciliation” refer to some state of relationship other than “salvation” (e.g., being reconciled to ones fate or destiny)?
Relative to such words as “salvation”, “sanctification”, “redemption”, “atonement”, and others; what does it mean to be “eternally reconciled”?

RVallimont

[SLJ]

The passage that comes first to my mind is Romans 5, where Paul speaks of both reconciliation and salvation.

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 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. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

As I read it, “reconciliation” is the first step in the whole process of “salvation.” Reconciliation is the restoration of relationship between man who has walked away, and God who has been pursuing peace. God is and has always been offering reconciliation to man, and the offering of Christ is the demonstration of love which has won us to Him. (Not that every individual has received this yet!)

So, my current understanding of this is slightly different than is usually described. Usually (at least usual in the groups I’ve been involved in) the term ‘salvation’ refers to the individual first putting their faith in Christ – making a decision, saying a prayer, or just trusting in Him. I’d call that ‘reconciliation’ and also the beginning of salvation. Salvation is a continuing process of growing in Christ, living His life through ours, learning to be like him, etc. It’s also called ‘sanctification’ in theological systems.

Sonia

[Andy]

Just recently stumbled across this site, and what a blessing it’s been to read how many wonderful things are being shared here. I hope it’s not bad form to enter a discussion so late.

FWIW, the OP led me to consider the prodigal son. As I see it, he was “saved” from his misery the moment the Holy Spirit brought to memory his father’s loving kindness, even to slaves, and started him on his journey home. But there seems little doubt that reconciliation, in its fullest sense, was delayed until the young man actually made it home. And how wonderfully shocking to discover that his father had seen him coming from a long way off, and the party was already started when he got there!

So as amazing as salvation certainly is, I think reconciliation is an even bigger deal. As I imagine it, the prodigal son, quite understandably, would have wanted, and I think even expected, that his father might save him from his miserable circumstance, and he certainly got that. Yet, I doubt he could have even dreamed that his entire relationship with his father would be restored to boot.

IOW, I think the parable teaches that God wants so much more than to save us. He is our Father, who loves us with an amazing love. In our misery, His Holy Spirit whispers to us the truth of His loving kindness and mercy, which is extended even to the most lowly and unworthy among us. And each time He can see one of us starting our journey home to Him, He is rejoicing and preparing a reception the like of which our finite minds could scarcely comprehend.

Peace and blessings to you all,

Andy