Reconciliation is the removal of hostility and the bringing back together of two parties that have been separated. Human beings have been separated from a relationship with God because of sin (Genesis 3:22-23, Ephesians 2:12). But God acts in sending Jesus Christ to bring reconciliation between human beings and Himself as we repent of our sins and receive His forgiveness (Romans 5:11, Colossians 1:21-22, Ephesians 2:11-18). Paul says that his Gospel ministry is a ministry of reconciliation, as he seeks to persuade others of their need to be reconciled to God and calls them to repentance (2 Corinthians 5:11-21). Because of our reconciliation with God, Christians are called to forgive and be reconciled with each other if there has been any hostility in their relationships (Matthew 5:24, Ephesians 2:16). However, there can be no true reconciliation if there is no true repentance (Luke 17:3-4, 2 Timothy 2:25-26).
