Reconciliation, redemption and recovery... Pt. 2

To expand on the theme from my last post, Baker's Evangelical Dictionary defines 'reconcilation' as follows:

Reconciliation has to do with the relationships between God and man or man and man. God reconciles the world to himself (2 Cor 5:18). Reconciliation takes place through the cross of Christ or the death of Christ. Second Corinthians 5:18 says that "God … reconciled us to himself through Christ." God reconciles us to himself through the death of his Son (Rom 5:1). Thus, we are no longer enemies, ungodly, sinners, or powerless. Instead, the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit whom he has given to us (Rom 5:5). It is a change in the total state of our lives.

What a powerful concept...God took the initiative in reconciling our relationship to Him through the cross of Christ. We are no longer 'powerless' once we surrender to Christ and our relationship with God is restored (or recovered...). It is, as Baker defines, a change in the total state of our lives. The spiritual experience of a life surrendered to Christ is the foundation of recovery...and grants us both peace with God and the power to overcome in this present life. As Step 2 tells me: I NEED a POWER greater than myself to restore me to sanity. What is so astounding is the fact that this power of Christ came as a result of humility and His submission to the will of the Father. I must remember that power to change only comes to any of us through the same attitude -- which is never 'cocky', 'self-assured' or 'arrogant'. It is HIS power...and HIS power alone that can accomplish the 'deep' work of recovery.

Lane