Reconcile (καταλλάσσω) involves the settlement of disputes or differences between two or more individuals or groups. It is often facilitated by a third party. An agreement is reached that satisfies all persons involved in the dispute, thereby restoring a sense of cooperation and harmony.
In the marriage relationship among saints when there is a dispute that results is a separation, they are not to marry another. Rather, they are to stay unmarried or be reconciled to each other, 1 Corinthians 7:11. However, if an unbelieving spouse abandoned the marriage, the believer is free to remarry another believer, 1 Corinthians 7:15.
God demonstrated His love towards us in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us, Romans 5:8. Through the death of Christ, the righteousness of God was satisfied, permitting reconciliation, Romans 5:9. Therefore, since when we were enemies He made reconciliation for us through His blood, how much more through His life will we be saved, Romans 5:10. He was raised three days later, proving that His sacrifice was acceptable to God and, therefore, we are justified through Him, Romans 4:25. It was necessary that Christ died for our sin because without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin, Hebrews 9:22. Without the shedding a blood a settlement could not be garnered that would satisfy all parties.
In this dispensation, those who are saved are given the ministry of reconciliation, 2 Corinthians 5:18. God was in Christ reconciling the world, not imputing their trespasses, and has given to us the word of reconciliation, 2 Corinthians 5:19. We supplicate on behalf of Christ to those who do not believe to be reconciled to God, 2 Corinthians 5:20.
Adam’s sin brought death unto all humans, Romans 5:12. God instructed Adam not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, informing him that on the day in which he eats, dying he would die. Before he sinned, Adam trespassed by determining to break God’s law, even though Satan had not deceived him; although, he was able to fully deceive Eve, 1 Timothy 2:14. Therefore, through his trespass, he became dead to God in his spirit, and through his sin, the penalty of physical death was applied. Although Adam did not immediately drop dead, his act of disobedience guaranteed his physical death. Since Adam is the head of the creation of humans, he passed down these deaths and condemnation to all, Romans 5:12-14. Therefore, it is appointed to man to die, Hebrews 9:27. The blood of Christ satisfies the requirements of God’s righteousness concerning Adams trespass and sin; thereby freeing those who believe in Christ’s death for sin and resurrection on the third day from the wrath of God, Romans 5:9.
