“And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation” (Romans 5:11).
The term “reconcile” designates the act of settling a dispute or disagreement. In this context, it conveys the idea of restoration and the renewal of a harmonious relationship between God and humanity. This topic forms a recurring theme within Paul the Apostle’s Biblical epistles. For example…
- “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ…” (2 Corinthians 5:18).
- “…God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them…” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
- “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).
This reference to a mediator identifies someone who works to resolve the differences between two parties and bring them together. Of course, it’s important to note that many groups and individuals falsely present themselves as mediators between God and humanity. In fact, Jesus warned us to be alert to that unfortunate reality in Mark 13:5-6.
However, Hebrews 9:15 tells us that Jesus’ intermediary role is exclusive and superior to that of any other purported mediator…
“The Greek word… (mesite, ‘mediator’) in this context does not imply that Jesus was a mediator in the contemporary sense of the word, i.e., he worked for compromise between opposing parties. Here the term describes his function as the one who was used by God to enact a new covenant which established a new relationship between God and his people, but entirely on God’s terms.” (1)
So, anyone who seeks to be reconciled to God must approach Him through the mediator He has established. This is especially important for those who seek to approach God through the intercessory efforts of saints, ancestors, and/or others. As Jesus Himself once said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
The Biblical epistle of 1 Peter further explains how that act of mediation occurred: “Christ also has suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18). Therefore, we have no reason to fear when we approach God through Christ. There we will find love and acceptance through His atoning sacrifice on our behalf. As we read in the Biblical book of Hebrews…
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16 NIV).
(1) NET Bible notes on Hebrews 9:15 https://classic.net.bible.org/verse.php?book=Heb&chapter=9&verse=15&mode=print