For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

Romans 5:10 (ESV)

 

Reconciliation opens the way for salvation.

According to the Apostle Paul, if we are so convinced that we were reconciled to God and made righteous through Jesus' crucifixion when we were still enemies of God, we are even more convinced we are saved by Jesus’ resurrection (cf. Romans 4:25).

God forgave us first, just as He loved us first.

There is no longer any animosity or enmity between God and humanity. Sin is no longer a barrier to salvation. What was previously a barrier is no longer a barrier since the Cross atoned for all our sins. We can draw near to God through faith in Jesus Christ because we have been reconciled to God.

God has done all things possible to bring people to Himself. If people remain estranged from Him, it is not because of their sin, but because no one told them the good news that they have been forgiven and reconciled to God. This keeps them from enjoying and experiencing life with God. This is where we come in and acknowledge our part in God’s salvation plan. After experiencing God's reconciliation and salvation in Christ, we can become God's hands and feet of reaching out and healing others.

When we are touched by the wonderful goodness of God's grace, our lives can become a window through which others might glimpse God's reconciling heart. This includes proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, caring for the poor and healing the broken. We don't have to do these works of reconciliation in big ways, but rather in small, sincere ways that brings God’s life and light to others.