What relief results from being reconciled with a person with whom you have had a stained relationship for a long time. While there are similarities between such a reconciliation and the reconciliation between God and man, there are also vast differences. One of the striking facets of reconciliation between God and men is that God Himself has dealt with every facet of our offence! We were His sworn enemies, yet He has made provision for that outrageous, insulting stand against Him. Moreover, not only did He put an end to our hostility, but He also receives us as His own sons; He makes us members of God's household--dearly loved and cherished forever. In fact, He does this as an act of kindness even while we are still wicked, still His enemies. Reconciliation is the plan of God. it comes through God's ambassadors, and it is through God dealing with both our sin and our lack of positive righteousness. What a remarkable act of grace! |
