QUESTION:
WHY DO I NEED TO BE RECONCILED WITH GOD?
ANSWER:
We need to be reconciled with God because sin broke our fellowship with Him—but through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, we can now have peace, forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life, and we are called to share this ministry of reconciliation with the world.
Reconciliation refers to the restoration of a broken relationship between humanity and God, caused by sin.
In other words, it is reconnecting that which is broken. The Bible clearly teaches that through Jesus Christ, we have been reconciled to God. This shows that something vital between God and man had been severed—and desperately needed to be restored.
“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ…” — 2 Corinthians 5:18
Let us understand why we need to be reconciled with God:
1. Sin Broke Our Fellowship with God
In the beginning, humanity enjoyed sweet fellowship with God, living in the fullness of His presence, favor, and love. But when man sinned, that intimate fellowship was shattered. Sin is not merely breaking a rule; it is rejecting God’s rightful place in our lives. It created a deep separation between us and God—where once there was love and unity, now there is distance and estrangement.
“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
Not only that, because of sin, we became enemies of God.
“Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.” — Romans 8:7
(See also: “Am I a Sinner?”)
2. God’s Initiative in Reconciliation
We thank God that His lovingkindness is from everlasting to everlasting. Though man broke fellowship with Him, God did not leave us in our lost condition. Instead, He made the first move.
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” — Luke 19:10
In His immense love, God sent His only begotten Son. The Lord Jesus willingly came, lived a perfect life, and sacrificed Himself to bridge the gap between God and man. On the cross of Calvary, He shed His precious blood to pay the penalty of our sins. The hands that created the universe were pierced for our rebellion; the heart that beat with divine love was broken for our healing.
“And by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” — Colossians 1:20
What a dramatic, love-filled pursuit! We were the ones who turned away—yet it was God who pursued us to bring us back.
3. We Now Have Peace with God
Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, the hostility between us and God has been abolished. Through faith in Jesus, we are no longer enemies—we have been brought near and enjoy lasting peace with God.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Romans 5:1
Our sins, which once stood as barriers, have been completely forgiven.
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” — Ephesians 1:7
Moreover, we have been declared righteous—not by works, but by faith.
“Even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference.” — Romans 3:22
This new standing before God is the foundation of our assurance and hope.
4. We Now Have Eternal Life
Reconciliation with God does not merely restore fellowship today; it secures our future forever. When we are reconciled with God, we are given the gift of eternal life.
“And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” — 1 John 5:11
Even though our physical bodies may die, Jesus promised that He would resurrect us at the appointed time.
“And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” — John 6:40
The reconciliation that Jesus accomplished is complete—it spans both this life and the life to come!
Final Thought
We have been separated from God because of sin. But out of His immeasurable love, God sought us, loved us, and saved us when the Lord Jesus reconciled us to Himself.
Now, there are two challenges before us:
1. If you are still living apart from God or have been rejecting Him in your life:
Be reconciled to God today!
“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ… we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” — 2 Corinthians 5:18, 20
(See also: “How Can I Return to God?”)
2. If you have already been reconciled with God:
Take seriously the ministry of reconciliation that has been entrusted to you.
“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us.” — 2 Corinthians 5:20
“…And has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.”” — 2 Corinthians 5:18
Let us proclaim the good news to a world that desperately needs to be reconnected to its Creator through the Lord Jesus Christ.
