Bible Dictionary
Reconcilation
Reconciliation is the removal of hostility and restoration of friendship. Through Christ’s death, God provides reconciliation for sinners, turning them from enmity toward peace and fellowship with him.
Definition
Reconciliation is a change from enmity to friendship. In biblical teaching, the term may describe a change in the sinner’s disposition toward God or God’s removal of the judgment and alienation standing against sinners.
Biblical Usage
The sinner is called to be reconciled to God by laying aside enmity and yielding confidence and love. The reconciliation provided through Christ’s death satisfies justice, removes God’s merited wrath, enables pardon and salvation, and restores God’s favor toward sinners.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A change from enmity to friendship. It is mutual, i.e., it is a change wrought in both parties who have been at enmity. (1.) In Col. 1:21, 22, the word there used refers to a change wrought in the personal character of the sinner who ceases to be an enemy to God by wicked works, and yields up to him his full confidence and love. In 2 Cor. 5:20 the apostle beseeches the Corinthians to be “reconciled to God”, i.e., to lay aside their enmity. (2.) Rom. 5:10 refers not to any change in our disposition toward God, but to God himself, as the party reconciled. Romans 5:11 teaches the same truth. From God we have received “the reconciliation” (R.V.), i.e., he has conferred on us the token of his friendship. So also 2 Cor. 5:18, 19 speaks of a reconciliation originating with God, and consisting in the removal of his merited wrath. In Eph. 2:16 it is clear that the apostle does not refer to the winning back of the sinner in love and loyalty to God, but to the restoration of God’s forfeited favour. This is effected by his justice being satisfied, so that he can, in consistency with his own nature, be favourable toward sinners. Justice demands the punishment of sinners. The death of Christ satisfies justice, and so reconciles God to us. This reconciliation makes God our friend, and enables him to pardon and save us. (See ATONEMENT.)