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Reconciliation





In recent years, the phrase "racial reconciliation" has gained prominence within Christian circles. It is often invoked as a solution to address ethnic divisions. In my public presentations, when I make the statement that the phrase “racial reconciliation” does not actually appear in Scripture, I am often met with confused looks. The real question is, is the idea of racial reconciliation—as a distinct theological category focusing on a need for groups of identities like race or ethnicity to reconcile with one another—present in the Bible. We say no, it isn’t. (I provide a detailed discussion about this in my chapter in Walking in Unity.) Biblical reconciliation is fundamentally tied to a rupture in relationship due to sin. It is not framed as a collective mandate to bridge racial or ethnic divides. 


The term "reconciliation" in the New Testament is derived from the Greek word katallassō. It signifies the restoration of broken relationships, whether between God and humanity or between people. 


This article examines the two biblical definitions of reconciliation—based on 2 Corinthians 5 and Matthew 5—in order to clarify Scripture's intent and caution against extrabiblical applications.



Reconciliation with God

The primary New Testament definition of reconciliation is God's work in restoring sinners to Himself. Paul’s most complete discussion of this theme is in 2 Corinthians 5:18-21. He writes, "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation" (v. 18). Humanity's hostile relationship with God—caused by sin—is resolved by God’s grace. Once we place our faith, hope and confidence in Jesus as our Savior, God no longer counts our sin against us. Instead, he counts us as righteousness (v. 21). Jesus’ work on the cross makes peace between a sinner and a holy God. The establishment of a relationship is not earned. It is the result of God's initiative while we were still in our sin. Once we are in Christ, then our job becomes to be an ambassador who urges others: "Be reconciled to God" (v. 20).


This theme is echoed in Colossians 1:19-22. Paul expands reconciliation's scope to cosmic proportions: "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross" (vv. 19-20). He continues: once we were "alienated from God and... enemies" due to evil behavior (v. 21), believers are now "holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation" (v. 22). God is reconciling not just individuals to Himself, but also (in some mysterious sense) the entire creation fractured by sin. 


True reconciliation begins with God. It addresses sin rather than specific social categories like race. It empowers believers for holy living and it calls true Christians to proclaim this Gospel to people from all nations.



Reconciliation Between Sinners

The second definition of reconciliation involves mending interpersonal breaches caused by sin. One scenario happens when I become aware that I may have harmed another. Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:23-24: "If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift... First go and be reconciled to them." The second scenario is when someone approaches me because I have sinned against them (Matt. 18:15).


In both of these cases, reconciliation is the result of both repentance and forgiveness. These are acts from the heart, due to conviction of sin––not mere ritual. This Kingdom ethic is what will restore peace between sinners.


This kind of reconciliation is individualized and rooted in specific person sin. It is not a blueprint for addressing broader racial tensions. Reconciliation between God and humans (vertical) fuels our efforts to reconcile with others when we sin (horizontal).



Connecting the Dimensions

When the word “reconciliation” arises, it is important to slow the conversation down and inquire about the definition. And then to carefully weigh it out to see if it’s actually biblical. 


The pursuit of “racial reconciliation”––where groups of people based on race try to reconcile with another due to historic wrong––is not an idea reflected in the Bible. While working toward reconciliation when one individual has harmed another individual is a biblical idea. To quote our friend, Virgil Walker: “Races don’t reconcile. Hearts do.”


The biblical definitions of reconciliation do interconnect: God's reconciliation equips us for human ones. Biblical reconciliation targets sin's effects, not racial constructs. In a divided world, Christians should pursue peace (Romans 12:18), but beware of conflating it with unbiblical ideas like "racial reconciliation.” True unity flows from Christ, transcending all cultural barriers without needing specialized terms or programs.



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