Reconciled with God

Are you someone who likes to plan everything in advance? Someone who anticipates every possible problem and always has a Plan B ready? Often, it's wise to have alternatives. If Plan A doesn't work out, you still have Plan B in your back pocket. If you miss the subway, you might be able to take the bus. If you're applying for several jobs, you have the opportunity to compare them and ask God to show you which position is best for you.

But how is it with God? Was the fall of man an accident, and was Jesus sent as Plan B? With God, there is no Plan B—only Plan A. God knew from the very beginning what He was getting into with us. Even though we have free will and often choose our own paths, we remain His creation.

And the wonderful thing is: When we confess our sins, God proves Himself to be faithful and just, forgiving us through Jesus—again and again. Through the cross, He has reconciled us to Himself and brought us back into His presence. Jesus Himself promised us that eternal life has already begun for us if we believe in Him. Eternal life is not a distant promise; it begins here and now, through our relationship with Jesus.

Does this mean we could now sin carelessly because God will forgive us anyway? Absolutely not. With Jesus, we have put off our old sinful nature on the cross. We can no longer remain indifferent to sin, and it should no longer define our lives.

Because God only has Plan A, and He knows the end from the beginning. He sees us as fully reconciled with Himself through Jesus. Through Jesus, we are now and forever God’s beloved children. In God’s eyes, we are on the path of becoming more like Jesus—a process of purification and growth that shapes us day by day. God gives us an eternal perspective and invites us to live each moment with Him in that hope. This is the good news we celebrate at Christmas!

Next Step: How do you view Christmas? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where unforgiveness is in your heart and receive the gift of reconciliation.