In the fabric of faith, the threads of reconciliation weave a powerful narrative that reaches both Jews and Gentiles. Central to this divine story is Jesus Christ—God incarnate—who opened the door for humanity to connect with God. This act of reconciliation is not just a religious idea; it fundamentally transforms our relationship with the Creator. It offers salvation to everyone, regardless of their cultural or ethnic backgrounds. In this post, we will explore the incredible depth of God's plan and how, through Christ, we can become His treasured people.
The Inclusivity of God’s Plan
From the beginning, God’s intention was always broader than a single group. While His plan was first revealed through the Jewish people, it reaches out to encompass everyone. The prophets predicted a day when people from all nations would seek God, and this promise was fulfilled in Jesus. In fact in Isaiah it was stated that the Messiah would be given as a covenant for the people and a light for the nations (Isaiah 42:6). That is a light to all nations, not just the Jewish people but the Gentiles as well. In the book of John we see that Jesus is that true light that came into the world and whoever would receive Him and believe in His name they would be given the right to become children of God (John 1:1:9-12).
In the Gospels, we witness Jesus breaking through cultural barriers. He spoke with Samaritans, engaged Romans, and ministered to society's outcasts. For instance, in John 4, Jesus’s conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well illustrates His commitment to inclusivity. His actions highlight that salvation is for everyone.
Jesus: God in the Flesh
At the heart of this reconciliation is the Incarnation—God taking human form in Jesus Christ. This essential truth marks a pivotal moment in history. It underlines that salvation is not earned by our efforts; it relies entirely on God’s grace. Jesus came to bridge the gap and represent humanity before God. This plan and execution are all of God; read 2 Corinthians 5:18-19. It tells us that it is all of God who was in Jesus so that it was through Jesus who is both fully God and fully Man that God was reconciling us to Himself.
Jesus came to bridge the gap and represent humanity before God. Because Jesus is fully God and fully Man. Read 1Timothy 2:5-6 – Paul explains that there is only ONE God and only ONE mediator (intercessor) the Man Jesus Christ who serves as the mediator, bridging the gap between humanity and God. That is because He is representing both God and man.
Read Colossians 1:19-20. In Jesus all the fullness of God dwelled so that through Jesus, He could reconcile us to Himself. That is why Jesus is God who came in the flesh in order to reconcile us to Himself by which He gave Himself as a ransom for all. Read Mark 10:45 - Jesus referred to Himself as the Son of Man who would be a ransom for many which expressed His humanity (representing man). He was also referred to as the Son of God which expressed His divinity (representing God). Jesus is the Son of God and the Son of Man, who was deserving of both titles. That is because Jesus was fully God (John 1:1), who came in the flesh and also fully Man (John 1:14). Therefore, Jesus being fully God was the only one acceptable to make the necessary payment required by God as the perfect sacrifice, doing for us what we could never do for ourselves.
Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus becomes the embodiment of God's love—a love willing to sacrifice for everyone's redemption. By taking on the sins of humanity and making peace through His blood, He provides an open pathway to reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:21). About 2,000 years ago, this act became the cornerstone of the Christian faith and established the foundation for the forgiveness of sins.
The Power of His Blood
The sacrificial death of Jesus is central to the message of salvation. The blood shed on the cross symbolizes the ultimate love and redemption for humanity. It is through Jesus’s sacrifice that we are brought close to God, breaking the chains of sin and death.
In Ephesians 2:13, Paul states, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." This signifies a crucial realization: our standing with God is determined not by our actions or heritage but by Jesus’s finished work on the cross. This is echoed in Hebrews 9:22, which tells us, "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."
One Body in Christ
One of the most significant outcomes of Jesus’ reconciliation is the unity it establishes among believers in His Church. In Christ, differences that once divided us—ethnic or cultural—become irrelevant. We are united with one another in the family of God through Christ who breaks down that wall of separation in which we become one in Christ and we have peace with God and with one another. It is through the blood of Christ we are both reconciled to God (Jew and Gentile) in one body through the cross (Ephesians 2:14-16).
Whether we are Jews or Gentiles, we are called to be one body. This unity reflects God's desire and serves as a testament to His ability to transform lives. A striking example of this is the early Church's inclusivity, where Paul welcomed both Jews and Gentiles into the faith community, fostering an environment of acceptance and love. The Church stands as a living example of reconciliation in a world filled with division, showing that in Christ, we are all valued equally.
Access to the Father
Because of what Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection, we have extraordinary access to God the Father. Ephesians highlights that we share this access through one Spirit (Ephesians 2:18). This doesn't just highlight our intimate relationship with God but also reveals the democratic nature of grace. No longer is God limited to a temple or a specific community.
This remarkable access allows us to engage in a personal relationship with God—one characterized by conversation, closeness, and growth. It significantly alters our identity as we become children of God through faith.
New Creations in Christ
By accepting the grace God offers through Jesus, believers undergo a radical transformation. This change compels us to leave our old selves behind and embrace a new identity in Christ. The Apostle Paul expresses this in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
This transformation brings hope, purpose, and belonging. We no longer define ourselves by societal labels; instead, we unite through our shared faith as family members in God's kingdom. Research indicates that 66% of Christians feel a sense of belonging in their faith community, showcasing the profound impact of this new identity.
The Invitation to Reconciliation
Reflecting on how God, through Jesus, made salvation available to all reveals a powerful mission. Not only does God reconcile us to Himself but He invites us to join Him in His work of redeeming falling humanity. We get to be a part of impacting the lives of others who would become a part of the family of God. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 This message encourages us not only to accept God's grace for ourselves but also to share it with others. The beautiful blueprint of reconciliation calls us to join together, welcoming those who are different from us—whether by culture, ethnicity, or social status to be reconciled and to be a part of God’s eternal family. Our desire should be for others to be made right with God and have that personal relationship that brings peace to the hearts of the people knowing that their sins are forgiven and not counted against them. They too could be reconciled to God if they would respond to God's invitation by repenting and putting their faith in God’s provision for salvation to humanity.
Recognizing that God's salvation is for everyone is an active challenge. It empowers us to serve as ambassadors of reconciliation, illustrating the transformative power of Christ in our lives. In a world often marked by division, we must remember this profound truth: through Christ, we are reconciled, drawn closer, and called to be one family of faith, unified in purpose and love.
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