Reconcilation
    a change from enmity to friendship. It is mutual, i.e., it is a
    change wrought in both parties who have been at enmity.

      (1.) In Col. 1:21, 22, the word there used refers to a change
    wrought in the personal character of the sinner who ceases to be
    an enemy to God by wicked works, and yields up to him his full
    confidence and love. In 2 Cor. 5:20 the apostle beseeches the
    Corinthians to be "reconciled to God", i.e., to lay aside their
    enmity.

      (2.) Rom. 5:10 refers not to any change in our disposition
    toward God, but to God himself, as the party reconciled. Romans
    5:11 teaches the same truth. From God we have received "the
    reconciliation" (R.V.), i.e., he has conferred on us the token
    of his friendship. So also 2 Cor. 5:18, 19 speaks of a
    reconciliation originating with God, and consisting in the
    removal of his merited wrath. In Eph. 2:16 it is clear that the
    apostle does not refer to the winning back of the sinner in love
    and loyalty to God, but to the restoration of God's forfeited
    favour. This is effected by his justice being satisfied, so that
    he can, in consistency with his own nature, be favourable toward
    sinners. Justice demands the punishment of sinners. The death of
    Christ satisfies justice, and so reconciles God to us. This
    reconciliation makes God our friend, and enables him to pardon
    and save us. (See ATONEMENT.)