Be Reconciled To God.

     Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
                            2 Corinthians 5:20 NASB

     God desires to restore the repentant sinner. He does not desire the spiritual death of any (Ezekiel 18:32; 2 Peter 3:9). He has done all that He can to make reconciliation possible. Out of His great love, He has sent us Jesus Christ, to die for our sins to make it possible to restore us to fellowship with Him (John 3:16; Romans 8:32).
     What is lacking, is on our part. To be reconciled involves much more than a petition for forgiveness. Many individuals desire grace only to avoid judgment. Reconciliation involves much more than that. We are the ones who have offended God, and it is because of our rebellion against Him, as evidenced by our sinful, disobedient lives, that we are estranged from Him.
     What is required is that we lay down our selfish hearts, in surrender to Him. A broken and contrite heart is what God desires (Psalm 51:17). A relationship is between individuals. In a relationship with God, we receive from Him, and also give of ourselves in love and adoration. All this has been destroyed by selfishness. God seeks the restoration of this relationship.
     To be reconciled is to return to God, the one we have offended in sincerity and truth. It should grieve our hearts, that we are the ones who have grieved God's heart. A true reconciliation is only possible when we return in repentance, and by faith, submit ourselves to God through Jesus Christ. He will forgive our past, and restore us to Himself (1 John 1:9; Psalm 32:1-2).
     We are given the promise that if we are in Christ Jesus, we are a new creation . The past is gone, and we have a wonderful new life in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17).