From Alienation to Reconciliation -- 2 Corinthians 5:14-21

God created every person to be in a relationship with Him. Believers were, at one time, separated from Him by sin. But now, thanks to the saving work of Jesus Christ, we're reconciled to the Father. It's important to understand the path we traveled from alienation to reconciliation so we can explain the journey to others.

Someone desiring a relationship with God must first understand that the gap between perfect God and sinful man is enormous. People like comparing themselves with others to illustrate how good they are. But the Lord doesn't judge on the basis of comparisons. His only standard is reconciliation. Whoever rejects salvation through Christ simply cannot spend eternity with God. There's no other way to span the gap.

The cross is our bridge between alienation and reconciliation. Jesus took the world's sin upon Himself and accepted the punishment we deserved. For our sake, He gave His precious life because the penalty for sin is death. Now, any person who wants a relationship with God can have it. Believing Jesus' blood paid our sin-debt is the only requirement for crossing the bridge into relationship with the Lord.

Those who have reconciled to God have His joy and mercy, instead of His wrath and condemnation. But how many of your friends and family are still living in alienation? They need to know there's a bridge to God. If you've already crossed over into a relationship with Him, wouldn't you be a good guide for them?

By: Dr. Charles Stanley