RECONCILE

The verb "reconcile" (Grk. katallasso) basically suggests a "change." In an ethical or religious sense, it denotes a change between parties who have been estranged. It may refer to human associations, or man's relationship to his Creator. (a) In human relationships that are breached, the fault may lie with one of the parties or with both. In Matthew 5:24 a case is contemplated where two brothers are estranged and need reconciliation. The Greek diallasso suggests that a mutual concession is needed to pacify a mutual hostility (Vine). If one finds it absolutely imperative to become separated from a spouse (where no sexual infidelity has been involved), he should either remain in a separated state, or else be "reconciled" to his mate (1 Cor. 7:11). (b) Human beings, by virtue of personal sins, have been alienated from God (cf. Eph. 2:12; 4:18; Col. 1:21). God is in no way responsible for the separation (Isa. 59:1-2); man is wholly culpable. However, Jehovah, as a result of his great love, has implemented a plan of reconciliation. It involved the death of his Son (Rom. 5:10; Col. 1:22), during which Jesus' blood was shed (Eph. 2:16; Col. 1:20). Christ, an innocent sacrifice, stands in for sinful man. All men are urged to accept Heaven's offer of reconciliation, which is made known through the gospel message (2 Cor. 5:18-19). The command "be ye reconciled to God" (2 Cor. 5:20), suggests that the sinner has the power to accept, if he but will (cf. Jn. 5:40; Rev. 22:17). Reconciliation is formalized at the point of the believing penitent being baptized into the body of Christ (Eph. 2:16; 1 Cor. 12:13; cf. Eph. 5:26).