The Message of Reconciliation for paper Part 2

In my last column I briefly described three concepts that block the ears of unbelievers when you speak the message of reconciliation to them. Once they understand these three concepts, that we are spiritual beings with an eternal existence, that you do not get into heaven by being good, and why every person must be saved, the person you are witnessing to is ready for the actual message of reconciliation. How did God undo what happened in the Garden of Eden? Start with that verse everyone is familiar with, John 3: 16   For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Jesus was born in a supernatural way, conceived by the Holy Spirit, and grew up as most children do under the guidance of his parents. However he did not sin in his entire life even though he was tempted mightily by Satan throughout his ministry. He lived that perfect life for us, on our behalf, because God knew we cannot live a perfect life, that in fact we sin daily. This perfect life made Jesus righteous in his own right, and because of the other work he did on earth that righteousness is credited to us as a free gift.

Once grown up Jesus ministered on earth for about 3 years, demonstrating who he was and confirming all he taught through the many miraculous acts he performed. In those 3 years he raised up 12 disciples who were to go on to birth the church after he left. In obedience to God he then went to Jerusalem knowing what awaited him, and willingly suffered brutally at the hands of the authorities and died, on the cross, innocent of any sin in his life, dying the death we all deserve because of our sin. He willingly and in love took the punishment we deserve upon himself. While dying on the cross, the sin of all mankind, past, present, and future was laid upon him. And the wrath of God for all that sin was taken out on Jesus. Scripture declares that the wages of sin is death. Jesus paid the price for the sin of all mankind on our behalf. He died the death we deserve. Or as scripture says “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us”.

Jesus was buried in a tomb, but as he foretold his disciples, on the third day he rose from the grave, demonstrating his power over death, and his victory over Satan, who had held the power of death. Jesus’ resurrection is our assurance that all he has promised has or will come about. Jesus showed himself to his disciples and taught them over the next 40 days and then ascended into heaven where he now sits at the right hand of God, with all power and authority delegated to him. The summary of Jesus’ work is: “God is reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them”.

So Jesus paid the price for our sin, appeased God’s anger toward mankind for that sin and opened the door for all mankind to be reconciled with God. About a week after he ascended to heaven He sent the Holy Spirit upon the believers gathered in Jerusalem. The believers heard the sound of a violent wind and tongues of flame appeared above their heads and they began to speak in languages they did not learn. The noise gathered a crowd and Peter addressed them explaining all that was happening at that moment and what had happened to Jesus by quoting scripture. The crowd was cut to the heart at Peter’s message and asked what they must do? Peter replied “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Remember we said that when we die God will be able to recognize us instantly as Christians because we have the Holy Spirit in us. Well we receive the free gift of the Holy Spirit when we are baptized. We use ordinary things, water and words in baptism, but God at the same time is undoing the spiritual death all men are born with. He reconciles us with the free gift of the forgiveness of our sins and the placing of His Holy Spirit in us. We are born again and become a new creation!

Friend you can ask, do you want to be saved and receive the free gift of eternal life. Jesus said “he who believes and is baptized will be saved”. Come to church with me next Sunday and you will learn even more about this absolutely free gift of reconciliation with God and eternal life with him.

And always keep in mind that we have been charged with the message of reconciliation. The actual reconciliation or conversion is the work of God. We are 100% successful if we speak the message, regardless of the outcome. There needs to be no fear of failure. Just speak the message and leave the rest up to God.

Peter tells us to “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” There is no greater joy for a Christian than to watch God use them to snatch someone from the fire.

Blessings!