Bro. Eddie Ministries Reading Plan: The Word Gives HopeHalimbawa

Cross the bridge

Enemies are hard to be brought back together. But how about the sinful men and the holy God? What can make them reconcile? Or should we ask first why did they break apart?

God did not walk out on His creation. Rather it is sin that separated man from God. Adam and Eve fell to sin. And sin was passed to all generations.

Romans 5:12 says, “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.”

Man needs to be reconciled to God. But He has judged sin, that it should be paid for. He required that blood without blemish should be shed for it so that man could be redeemed.

But no one was righteous enough to do it. Jesus who is God the Son volunteered. The Bible said, “…God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

His death had built a bridge we can cross to draw near to God. It brought us peace, thus we can make peace with God. And this was our chance to be reconciled to Him.
Jesus is the God-Man who stood between God and man. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men…Jesus Christ.” (1 Timothy 2:5)

On the cross, He dealt with our sin. The blood He shed appeased the righteous anger of God the Father. Thus it paved the way for the remission of sins. (Hebrews 9:22)
Jesus’ blood still cries out today. It asks for people’s repentance. He calls them to be reconciled to God. But how?

First, accept that we are sinners. No one truly comes to God without admitting that he sinned against God and that he needs Him to save him.

Second, repent from our sins. For unless we repent, we shall all likewise perish. (Luke 13:3)

When we repent, it also means to confess our sins to God. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Third, place our faith in Jesus. Believe that He died for us though we did not see Him hanged on the cross. “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John 3:36)

Once we do this, we do not only receive so great salvation. We are reconciled to God. And therefore, “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:1-2)

It is great to be found with God. Hence, as Paul said, “We implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He has made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:19-20)
It all begins when we decide to cross the bridge Jesus built. His death.

Reflection:
1. What does it mean to be an enemy of God?
2. How will you keep your union with God?

Jesus broke down the walls that caused the rift between God and man.