Language of the Cross: Reconciliation (4)
It would be unnecessary to consider the notion of the cross as reconciliation if we did not presume a disrupted relationship, for what healthy relationship needs reconciliation?
However, as previous posts have already mentioned, creatures have suffered a massive disruption in relations with their Creator because of sin (Is. 59:2). So reconciliation can be summarized as follows: reconciliation assumes hostility between God and mankind but brings about peace. Perhaps it is helpful to think of this in three phases.
1. Right Relationship
Upon the creation of the world Genesis describes a perfect world in which man dwelt with God and enjoyed right fellowship with Him. God and man dwelt in the garden and man was given dominion over God’s creation. The Scriptures even tell of God walking in the garden with man. The world was not yet affected by the horrors of sin. Man was in right relationship with God and so no reconciliation necessary.
2. Enemies of God
This utopia was abruptly shattered as sin entered into the world bringing with it nakedness, death, and separation. Worst of all man was separated from God and cast from the garden. Later Romans describes mankind’s new relationship with God as one of enemies (Rom. 5:10). Isaiah 59:2 describes that man’s sin effectually hid His face from sinful man and even disrupts communication between God and man.
3. Relationship – Restored
However, the work of the cross was a work of reconciliation: the act of removing bondage, captivity, and war from our relationship with God. God’s grounds for relating to us as enemies have been removed and all grievances have been satisfied.
The essence of the cross as reconciliation is one of a right relationship which went horribly wrong, however through the work on the cross, sin is paid for and God himself completed the work of restoring fellowship between God and man. Let a rich understanding of reconciliation and all its synonyms saturate your vocabulary as you speak of and mediated on the work of Christ on the cross.
