How to Reconcile With God?

QUESTION:

ANSWER:

Jesus already made the way for us to be reconciled with God—what remains is our decision to return to Him through surrender and faith.

Every human being was created for relationship with God. Deep inside, there’s a longing to know Him, to walk with Him, and to live under His love and care. But the truth is, man’s connection to God has been broken.

This brokenness began long ago—but the very fact that you’re asking this question reveals something important: there is a longing within you to return to God. That desire is not random—it’s a sign that He is calling you back.

So how can you be reconciled with God? Let us explore what the Bible teaches about restoring that relationship.

The Relationship Was Broken by Sin

In the beginning, mankind lived in perfect fellowship with God. But when Adam and Eve chose to disobey Him, sin entered the world—and with it came separation.

“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2)

Sin is not just wrongdoing—it is the rejection of God’s rule in our lives. It is living as though we don’t need Him. And because God is holy, our sin makes us His enemies (Romans 5:10). This is why so many people feel far from God. The relationship is broken—not because He moved, but because we walked away.

See also: “What is Sin?” and “Am I a Sinner?”

Nothing We Do Can Fix It

When people feel far from God, they often try to make things right by doing better—being kind, attending church, praying more, or changing their lifestyle. But as good as those things may be, they cannot repair what’s broken between us and God.

The truth is, the problem runs deeper than behavior. It’s not just that we’ve done wrong—it’s that we’ve walked away from God. And no amount of effort, goodness, or religious activity can undo that.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)

Even the religious laws God gave in the Old Testament were not meant to fix the problem. They were designed to show us that we needed something more—something we could never accomplish on our own.

“For the law… can never with these same sacrifices… make those who approach perfect.” (Hebrews 10:1)

If we could fix our relationship with God by our own doing, there would have been no need for Jesus. But there was just no other way.

God Made the Way Through Jesus Christ

Reconciliation is not something we accomplish—it’s something God did for us. Why? Because we are the problem. We all fall short of the glory of God. That’s the issue—we are sinners, and nothing we do will ever qualify us to have our sins removed.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

We are not just broken—we are spiritually bankrupt. We don’t have the means or the righteousness to fix what sin has done. But God, in His mercy, made a way. Out of love, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take our sins upon Himself and die in our place.

“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:18)

Jesus is the Lamb of God. He shed His blood so that we could be forgiven. The Bible says:

“Without shedding of blood there is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22)

“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

At the cross, God placed the penalty of your sins and mine upon His Son. Jesus took the wrath we deserved, and through His death, the barrier between us and God was torn down.

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Reconciliation Requires a Personal Response

God has done everything necessary for us to be reconciled. But He will not force it upon us. Reconciliation begins the moment we return to Him.

To return to God means two things:

1. Repentance — a decision to turn back to God.

This is not about becoming perfect. It’s about recognizing that we have lived apart from God, and making a firm decision to come home. As Jesus said:

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17)

2. Faith in Jesus Christ — surrendering your life to Him.

It’s not just believing in your head, but entrusting your life to Jesus as your Savior and Lord.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31)

When we repent and believe, God forgives us, makes us His children, and restores our relationship with Him.

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:12)

Final Thought: Jesus Made the Way—Now It’s Your Turn to Come Back

So, how can you reconcile with God?

The short answer is this: Jesus has already made the way.

He took your sin, your shame, and your punishment upon Himself at the cross. Reconciliation is not something you achieve—it’s something you receive.

But the only thing left now is your decision. Will you return to God? Will you take the step to come back to Him by surrendering your life to Jesus?

This isn’t about praying long prayers or becoming religious. It’s about coming home. And it begins with a sincere heart turning to God. If that’s what you want, you can begin right now with a simple, honest prayer like this:

“Father God, I come before You, admitting that I have sinned against You.
I am sorry for the life I lived away from and in rejection of You.
I need You, Lord.
Today, I make this decision to return to You.
I also believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for my sins
and rose again because He is the Messiah and the Son of God.
I now surrender my life to You, Lord Jesus.
Come into my life, be my Lord and Savior, and change me.
I receive Your forgiveness and Your gift of eternal life.
Thank You for saving me. Amen.”

If you want to understand more about what it truly means to return to God, we invite you to read “How Can I Return to God?”.

The way has been opened. Jesus made it possible. Now is the time to come home.

QUESTION: