Romans 5 and Rev. 20:11-14

 

Why has the Church been called out to reconcile others to God?

 

I. Christ’s Agents (Romans 5: 6-12)

An agent simply is one who is authorized to act on another’s behalf. He or she can be used as a means or instrument to accomplish the task given. Jesus was used as a means to reconcile humanity to God (1 Tim 2:5-6). In his perfection, he was the only person who could stand in place of humanity’s sin. He never gave up his rights as deity (Phil. 2), but he glorified the Father through his sacrificial offering. We could never have redeemed ourselves. However, as professing believers in Jesus Christ, we emulate his life (God pleasing), death (die to self), and resurrection (future glorification). We are saints, called out from the world, to be used as a means, a witness, to God's Kingdom. As agents, we work for God on behalf of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. God’s wrath was once upon us, now we have access to Him and a never-ending relationship with Him. Praise the Lord! Google describes the term reconciliation as an “an agreement, a compromise, to resolve, a reunion or a bringing back together again” (Google Dictionary). According to Oxford Languages Dictionary, reconciliation means, the restoration of friendly relations. Jesus restored the relationship between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5); therefore, we have access to God’s love. God did not desire us. We were enemies of God. “Unbelievers are described as helpless, ungodly, sinners, and enemies. Enemies can mean either that we have enmity against God or that He considers us as enemies” (Ryrie Study Bible). He chose us before the foundations of the world to be His own (Eph 1:4). God was satisfied with His creation before the fall, but Adam and Eve disregarded God’s plan and by their deliberate disobedience, sin fell on all humanity (Rom 5:12-21).

 

Another definition for reconciliation is to settle a dispute. Jesus settled the dispute between God and man. Reconciliation also means “change.” “God changes us from enemies to family” (Ryrie Study Bible). Hallelujah! Man has been given an option. He has the right to serve God or to give up his seat and serve the deceiver. As agents of reconciliation, we have been given the approval or permission to act on God’s behalf and be a witness to the lost. Can you imagine those in Haiti, after the 2010 earthquake, who have died and gone to Hell? What about those who had contracted Covid-19 and suffocated to death, and now will never experience true life. As I feel much remorse for those who have died without faith, and for their families who will never see them again, the truth is that all will pass from life to death. We are Christ’s representatives. Christ’s agents are called to connect others to God as Jesus Christ restored our fellowship with God. Our message is simple for those who are simply perishing.

 

II. The lost will be judged.

Rev. 20: 11-14

As we are called to reconcile the lost to God, we must also make the lost aware of the Great White Throne Judgment. What is the Great White Throne Judgment? It is when unbelievers will stand before God and give account for their works-based sin. Do you think you will go to heaven based on the goodness in your heart or the charitable deeds you have done? Do you think you will go to heaven because of a loved one who knew the Lord and prayed for you? Do you think you will go to heaven because God will consider that your good deeds outweigh your bad? Well, your eternal position or standing has nothing to do with self-achievement, performance, or accolades. It is by one man that you must be saved. His name is Jesus. Satan, the deceiver, as the Bible calls him first, is not the opposite of God. He is a created, fallen angel. He was created as Lucifer, the angel who was given a role in heaven as worship leader. He deliberately chose to disobey God and therefore, he was expelled from heaven and sentence to death. He is fully aware of his destiny. He convinced 1/3 angels in heaven that he was greater than God, as he convinced Eve that she could be like the highest God. The entire story is in Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14. Eve’s story is in Genesis chapter 3. Yes, Satan is a deceiver (Rev. 12:9) and he wears the name well. Hell was made for the devil and his angels. However, as Eve was deceived, humanity has and continues to be deceived (2 Cor. 11:3). Satan is the ruler of darkness (Eph. 6:12). God desires that no man shall perish (2 Peter 3:9). Satan, on the other hand desires that all shall perish with him. Yes, he is selfish, conniving and convincing. During the final judgment, Satan and his fallen angels will be cast into the pit of hell (Rev. 20). Also, those who have chosen to believe his lie, will join him in the pit of Hell.

 

We must keep Hope alive!

"Jesus is the answer for the world today, above him there is no other, Jesus is the Way" (Andrae Crouch, 1995). Eph 2: 4-10 says, But, God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace, you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Continue to walk as Christ’s Agents. Continue to put on truth, so that you will walk in peace. Continue to be a witness for Christ and people will receive “strength for today and bright HOPE for tomorrow!”

 

Lord, we delight in who you are to us! I pray that we will continue to be reconcilers of truth. Help those who have lived in darkness to experience freedom in Christ Jesus. Help those who are lost to find hope in You. Thank You, Lord, for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Thank You, Lord, for sending your son as a mediator between God and man. Thank you, Lord, that you are connected to Your people! Thank You, Lord, that we do not have to perish, but all can experience eternal life. 

It is in Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

 

Encourage and Be Encouraged!