How can the idolatrous sinner be reconciled to God?
Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 3 - Receive God's Forgiveness, Questions 17, p. 46

The question touches the very heart of Christianity. Isaiah 59:2 tells us, "But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear." This separation caused by sin is not just a minor rift; it is a chasm so vast that no human effort can bridge it. Romans 6:23 brings the grim reality into focus: "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Given this insurmountable barrier, how then can we hope to stand before a holy and righteous God without being condemned? The answer lies in the profound mystery and beauty of the Gospel. Romans 1:16-17 declares, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’" The Gospel is not just good advice; it is the power of God unto salvation. It reveals a righteousness that comes from God, not from ourselves.
This righteousness is made possible through Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21 highlights this incredible exchange: "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." Jesus, who was sinless, took upon Himself our sins, he became sin, and in exchange, we receive His righteousness. This is the great exchange that allows us to stand before God without fear of condemnation.
Moreover, Romans 8:1 offers us assurance: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This verse encapsulates the security and peace that come from being in Christ. When we are united with Him, our sins are forgiven, and we are clothed in His righteousness.
Let us find comfort in 1 Peter 2:24: "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed." Our standing before God is not based on our righteousness but on Christ's. Through His sacrifice, we are healed, forgiven, and made righteous, enabling us to stand before God without condemnation.
This blog series is adapted from Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation. You can experience this teaching in several ways:
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