UNDERSTANDING THE MYSTERY OF ETERNAL RECONCILIATION

UNDERSTANDING THE MYSTERY OF ETERNAL RECONCILIATION

INTRODUCTION 

The enmity between God and created works has delayed the destiny of man on earth. Since man failed in Eden, created order went berserk and the entire earth fell out of course. Animals became hostile to one another and there is gross disorderliness. Sicknesses, diseases, poverty, inferiority complex, frustration, visionlessness, sorrow and death became the new destiny of man. When the first man rebelled against God, satan became his new king. It is outrageous to be part of a chaotic dominion where the king of disorderliness is in charge. Since man is the only means God shares His destiny with other created works, whatever that affects him will directly influence the earth.

The enmity between created works exists because man lost his place in God. Lions began to eat other animals; snake became enemy of man because there is violence on earth. God brought Jesus Christ to the earth because He wanted to reconcile man to his environment; but reconciling man to his environment will not be possible until man himself is reconciled back to God. God incarnated Christ as He reconciled the world to Himself. When Adam rebelled against God, enmity and violence brought death and destruction but the coming of Jesus Christ slew the enmity and established everlasting reconciliation. The enmity between the Jews and Gentiles was slain through the death of Jesus Christ. The peace-making process that brought man back to God was very important that was why it took the death of the Son of God to be achieved. God hates disorderliness. Peace and prosperity can’t be achieved in any environment where there is chaos. In fact, a chaotic world is a godless world; but each time there is harmony, peace reigns.

JESUS DESTROYED THE ENMITY BETWEEN GOD AND MAN

When satan introduced enmity between God and man, man died. Anybody who is separated from God will be destroyed. When satan provoked rebellion in Adam, Adam was dis-fellowshipped from God’s presence. Alienation is very dangerous. It strangulated the relationship between God and Adam and made Adam an enemy of himself. Satan envied the authority God conferred on Adam through fellowship. While Adam was in Eden, he could not be taken for granted. He was in charge of the Edenic work. But the failure of Adam brought the redemption work of Jesus Christ. Not only that Jesus brought man back to God, He also reconciled men to themselves and created works.

The coming of the Lion of Judah is to consummate the reconciliatory work that the Lamb started. The prophecy that was made about eternal peace is yet to be fulfilled because there is need for harmony. The lion is yet to lie down with a lamb. Reconciliation cannot be perfected until there is restoration of all things. Although the Lamb of God through His death and resurrection had slain the enmity between God and man, we are still waiting for the restoration of all things. If the sin of man is forgiven, man should be practically reinstated to his original position. If the enmity amongst created order is slain, serpent should recover its limbs. The abolition of death needs to be practically enforced.

THE REASON WHY IT TOOK GOD TO RECONCILE MAN BACK TO HIMSELF

The strength of satan is preserved in the enmity between God and man. It is also preserved in the enmity between man and created order. Enmity between God and man separated God from the earth and made satan the god of this world. Satan manifests a lot of strength through enmity, violence and chaos. God will not be part of any society, church, group or family where there is so much enmity and misunderstanding; but where there is love and unity, there will be life. The presence and pleasure of God will be found anywhere there is peace, love and unity (Psalm 133). It is wrong for us to expect God to release His blessings where there is deep hatred and acrimony.

YOU DON’T NEED TO HATE YOUR BROTHER

Nursing hatred will not allow believers to enjoy the presence of God. Satan introduces acrimony into people’s lives only to deceive and delay them. You can do without malice and rancor. God will always be part of any life that shows love. He envies families that are founded on integrity, love and deep understanding. If the lion will lie down with the lamb, it is only peace, understanding and tolerance that can make it possible. Destructive criticism and making cynical comments kills the spirit of man. People hate to be talked against. Nursing grudges and grievances destroy the chance we have to be blessed.

I think Cain paid homage to envy and became a friend to the scorpion of death before he committed murder. You can do without fermenting division in the midst of God’s people. Let’s stop going back to the old ways. It takes a lot of strength to resist the devil but it is achievable.

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