Page 43 - Biblical Counseling I Textbook

(1) This answers the question, “What if the offender refuses to seek
forgiveness?”
• We must be willing to make and keep the promise of forgiveness when there is repentance—i.e.,
transactional forgiveness (Matt. 18:22; Luke 17:4; Eph. 4:32).

Understanding reconciliation
What is reconciliation?
• Reconciliation is the heart of the gospel (2 Cor. 5:18-21).

• Reconciliation is restoration of peace between parties (Acts 7:26; Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:16).
• Reconciliation is a full restoration of relationship (John 15:15)
Reconcile has the specific meaning “to change from enmity to friendship.”

How does the gospel compel us to pursue reconciliation? (2 Cor. 5:14-21)

The only reasonable foundation for seeking reconciliation with those who wrong you is the gospel of God’s
reconciliation with you.

It reminds us of our situation before God. What was your situation?
• You needed a whole new life (v 14-15, 17, cf. Col. 2:13).
• Your thinking was twisted by pride (v 12, 16, cf. Rom. 8:6-8)
V 16 indicates worldly thinking (cf. v 12)
• Innumerable transgressions stood against you (v 19).

V 21 Christ made indicates how thoroughly sinful you were.
• You were helpless to fix it (v 21 ‘on your behalf”).
Rom. 5:6 “For while we were still helpless…Christ died for the ungodly”

It reminds us of what God did while we were in this situation. What did He do for you?
• He loved you when you hated Him
Rom 5:10 “while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God…”
• He initiated the reconciliation (v 18, cf. Eph. 2:4).
“All these things are from God.” He reconciled us to Himself.
• He took your blame upon Himself (v 15, 21).
Christ did not share the blame with you; He took the blame for you.
• He showed you kindness without limit (v 21, cf. Eph. 1:3).
• It compels us to apply these truths to our relationships. Note the many “just as Christ did” passages of
the NT. Cf. Matt. 18:23-35.

What does this mean to you?
• It means you act in love even when wronged.

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