The Greek word allassein means to change, in the New Testament it is used to refer to all sorts of changes. Stephen, for example, was accused of teaching that Jesus would change the accepted customs of the Jews (Acts 6.14). Paul, speaking of the resurrection, says 'We shall be changed' (1 Cor.15.51). He also speaks of changing his tone of voice when speaking to the Galatians (Gal. 4.20). But the word katallassein is used for a special sort of change.

This is the change required for enemies to become reconciled. It is used in 1 Corinthians 7.11 where Paul discusses the case of separated couples, and urges that estranged wives should preferably be reconciled to their husbands. For such a reconciliation to take place, both parties must be ready for it. Paul had in mind the case where the wife had taken the initiative in moving out, and he urges her to be reconciled: the change would be in her actions, hopefully in her feelings also. He does not refer to the husbands's action or feelings. Reconciliation may be merely formal, or real. In the case of nations at war they may sign a peace treaty and be reconciled, which means they do not attack one another. But true reconciliation means more than the cessation of hostilities, and involves an emotional change. This is especially so when the enmity or separation is a personal matter.

Paul uses the verb katallassein (or the noun katallage which means reconciliation) to refer to the restoration of the relationship between human beings and God. He speaks in Romans 11.15 of the reconciliation of the world - something which in his experience was only being realised at the cost of the Jews losing their special status: there were so many of them who did nothing but hinder his ministry of reconciliation.

The Reconciliation is received through Jesus (our Lord Jesus Christ).

The need for reconciliation. Mentions of the reconciliation in scripture are in the context of being distant from God.

Romans 3.23 All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

Romans 1.18 The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of men

2 Corinthians 5.10 We (believers) must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive good or bad, according to what he has done in the body

Ephesians 2.12 You (Gentiles) were… separated from Christ… having no hope and without God in the world

Colossians 1.13 (believers transferred from) the dominion of darkness

A picture of the reconciliation is Jesus' parable of the prodigal son. The son did not incur hostility from his father, he simply cut himself off from the benefits of a relationship with him. So with mankind. God's 'wrath' expresses the consequences of what men have done, not a personal antagonism on His part. The reconciliation of the prodigal son with his father followed a change of heart on the son's part, and the son actually returning to his father, with the result that he experienced the father's love. It was the making of this contact that made their reconciliation a reality.

The method of reconciliation.

Colossians 1.19,20 For in (Jesus Christ) all the fulness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood oof his cross.

Ephesians 2.16 and might reconcile us both (Jews and Gentiles) to God in one body, through the cross

Romans 5.10 while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more now that we are reconciled shall we be saved by his life

2 Corinthians 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation

God's out flowing love was demonstrated in his giving his Son, a gift involving Christ's living and teaching, serving and healing, completed in his death - a gift which changes the hearts of those who hear and believe it. The change amounts to a new creation, new lives, joy, hope. The change, the reconciliation, is effective where the message is carried. It is God's plan to reconcile the whole world to himself. Wherever He gives us the opportunity, whether now or in the age to come, we have a share in the ministry of reconciliation.

"Reconciliation with God is the central experience of the Christian faith." (Barclay)

GC

Ref. W.Barclay New Testament Words