Reconciliation
Sunday, September 11, 2022
4:12 PM
 Reconciliation—In general, it is the restoration of an estranged relationship.  Theologically, it more specifically relates to the work of God to overcome the alienation between God and humanity.  1. Old Testament. The consequence of transgression was understood to be death.  However, Psalm 51 and Ezekiel 18:21-23 describe a pathway of restoration through repentance—turning away from evil.  2. New Testament.  a. The New Testament speaks of the restoration of human relationships especially in the context of the faith community (Matthew 5:21-26; 18:15-20; Ephesians 4:25-310.  b. The New Testament also speaks or Reconciliation between humanity and God especially in the Pauline Epistles (Romans 5:8-11; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; Colossians 1:20-22; Ephesians 2:1-19).  In Pauline theology, God initiates Reconciliation Through Jesus Christ, it is a completed act. 3. Denominational. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) generally understands the call of God to embody in human relationships the reconciliation God has already effected between God and humanity.  Of particular importance to Disciples is the reconciliation of the one Church (Christian Unity) and the reconciliation of groups devided by racism (Anti-Racism).   4. Contemporary Theology. C. H. Dodd suggested that the metaphor of Reconciliation stresses an enmity or quarrel between God and Humanity.  However, rather than seeing this as the consequence or sins, Dodd sees this as  "some very deep-seated misdirection of human life" (Benefits of His Passion, p. 20).   The quarrel, he writes, is "an illusion" for God "always is, always way, and always will be our friend.  The attitude toward which God show once in Christ is God's attitudes towards us always—now" (p. 25).  