Hebrews 9:22 Archives - Word of Grace Studies

Reconcile (καταλλάσσω)

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, […]

Being Gracious Towards Others

In English the word “forgive” is defined as, “to stop feeling angry towards or blaming someone, or to stop requiring a payment for something”. This is not equal to how Scripture uses the word “Forgive.” The main meaning of the word “forgive” in Scripture is “to send away”. It can be used for a husband and wife, or not leaving anything behind; however, when it comes to sin it is specific to only God Who is the One forgiving, for sin is only against God.

And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce (send away) him. – 1 Corinthians 7:13

You have put all things in subjection under his feet.” For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left (sent away) nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him. – Hebrews 2:8

Therefore, leaving (sending away) the discussion of the elementary principles of the Christ, let us go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, – Hebrews 6:1

Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. – Psalms 51:4

Unlike in the Old Testament, which only offered the covering of sins (atonement), the blood of Christ forgives (sends away) our sins. And without payment for sin there is no forgiveness.

And almost all things are cleansed by blood according to the law and apart from shedding blood forgiveness does not come […]