Imagine you're sitting in a courtroom. You're watching an innocent man stand trial in a criminal case for a crime you committed. Though innocent, the judge finds him guilty, sentences him, and orders him led from the courtroom in shackles to serve his sentence – a sentence that rightfully belongs to you.

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If you've been a Christian for any length of time, you probably recognize the parallel between this courtroom scenario and God's transference of sin. God is the judge and Jesus is the man serving the sentence for your crime. Through God's grace, and only God's grace, you are given the chance to go free. Jesus has paid for your crime. Believing this is the only requirement for salvation.

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But today's Bible excerpt is radically germane to more than just salvation. The word reconciled (or forms thereof) is mentioned five times in these verses (NIV). Thus, the concept of reconciliation must be important for us to understand since it's much emphasized in God's Word.

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Reconciliation is a relationship-oriented term. To be reconciled to God is not only to be saved but to be pursued. God is actively pursuing you. For what? To live in harmonious relationship with Him. Think of it like this: the judge in the courtroom scenario, knowing you are guilty, assigned your sentence to the innocent man, then calls you up and invites you to socialize over coffee, his treat. Why would the judge do this?

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Since God is life and sin is death, we can't be reconciled as sinners. It'd be like mixing oil with water or dark illuminating light; it's impossible. But with God, nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37). God sent Jesus unto the world to transfer all the sin of mankind upon Him. For Jesus to bear our sin on the cross, He had to be separated from God (that's why He said, “my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46)). So, separation from God is something we don't have to endure. Jesus endured it for us. Because of Jesus' sacrifice, we are free of sin in God's eyes. Because we've been bought and paid for in full (1 Cor. 6:20), God will never forsake us (Deut. 31:6). Thus, not only are we saved through Jesus, but we are reconciled through Jesus.

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Though reconciliation might be easy to understand, it can be hard to fully accept. In the courtroom scenario, how many of you could walk out the courtroom door and enjoy your freedom? It's difficult to feel worthy of the price paid. Quite often, the hardest judge of ourselves is ourselves. Quite often the hardest to forgive is ourselves. Yet God has judged you worthy of forgiveness. He transferred your guilt onto one who was guiltless. Why? So He can reconcile you unto Himself. His desire for you is a harmonious relationship with Him forever.

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And it's important for us to embrace His desire for two reasons.

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Ever since sin entered the world, God set in motion a process for reconciliation. However, your self-serving humility and humbleness may very well be impeding that process. You may not even be aware you're doing it, but to think of yourself as unworthy is like telling Jesus that crucifixion wasn't enough. Remember, Christ has purchased you. You are worthy. Believe and accept this truth. Doing so allows God's reconciliation process to culminate in a permanent, harmonious relationship in Him.

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And reconciliation is not only for you. Through your witness of God's reconciliation, others will be reconciled to God, as well. God gives those in the process of reconciliation the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:20). You are his ambassador. You have a purpose (Eph. 2:10). Live your life as witness to others. It's so imperative to embrace God's process for reconciliation, the Apostle Paul “implores” you to do so (2 Cor. 5:20).

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Because you are worthy, you were bought with the blood of Christ (1 Pet. 1:18-19). Because you were bought with the blood of Christ, your sin is as far from you as the east is from the west (Ps. 103:12). Because your sin is as far from you as the east is from the west, you are free, free to be reconciled through Christ unto God (Rom. 6:18).

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So, hear ye, hear ye, the judge has reached a verdict. You are free, free to be reconciled. Accept this sacrifice of grace with a joyful heart. Thank you, Jesus.

Father, speak to me through your Word.

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“About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' (which means 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’)” (Matt. 27:46).

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“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21).

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“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6).

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Amen, come Lord Jesus.