The Bible teaches that reconciliation is the process of bringing two parties who were separated or in conflict back into a state of harmony and unity. This can happen on a personal level, such as reconciling with a friend or family member, or on a larger scale, such as reconciling nations or groups of people. In the New Testament, the concept of reconciliation is closely tied to the message of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus came to bring reconciliation between God and humanity, which was made possible through his death on the cross. He reconciled us to God by taking upon himself the punishment for our sins, so that we could be forgiven and reconciled to God. This reconciliation is offered to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances, and is available to anyone who believes in Jesus and repents of their sins.
What Does the Bible Really Say About Atonement?
In the Bible, the concept of atonement refers to the reconciliation or restoration of a relationship between God and humanity that has been broken by sin. The word "atonement" comes from the Old Testament Hebrew word "kaphar," which means "to cover." In the context of the Bible, atonement often involves the idea of a sacrifice or offering that serves to cover or remove sin, making it possible for people to be reconciled with God.