The word reconciliation is found exclusively in the apostle Paul. If we simply read what he writes about this, the meaning becomes clear, and we can also correctly interpret the concept of universal reconciliation. Paul uses three closely related words for this: katallagē (G2643), katallassō (G2644), and apokatallassō (G604).
In Romans 5 we read:
Romans 5
10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, having been reconciled, we will be saved in his life.
11 And not only this, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Peace
This chapter opens with the declaration that “we who have been justified by faith have peace toward God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (5:1). Later, we will see confirmation that peace comes from reconciliation. Reconciliation describes the act; peace describes the condition and its result. Enmity has given way to harmony.
Christ died for the ungodly (5:6), and He died for us while we were still sinners (5:8). This makes it clear that it is false that Christ died only for a select group of elect, as is taught in some circles. Nor is it biblical to say, “Jesus died for you and becomes your Savior when you personally accept Him.” No, He died and was resurrected for all (2 Cor. 5:14–15) and is therefore the Savior of all people (1 Tim. 4:10).
Enemies are reconciled
Romans 5:10 teaches us two fundamental things. First, that we were enemies at the moment we were reconciled to God. This means that reconciliation, by definition, entails a change of enmity. The word katallagē appears twice in this verse and is composed of the elements kata (downward, complete) and allasso (change). The preposition kata has a strengthening and consummating effect here. Reconciliation is therefore a complete and definitive change: enmity is transformed into peace.
through His death
The second thing the verse teaches is that we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son. The means by which God reconciles humanity to Himself is the death of His Son on the cross. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ was the ultimate proof of this world’s enmity against God. But God proves His love for humanity by resurrecting His Son, whom the world had murdered, three days later, thereby giving life to that same hostile world!
The cross proves God’s love for the ungodly (5:6), for sinners (5:8), and for enemies (5:10). That is why we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son. Through the cross, God transforms His enemies into reconciled ones, into friends, and into lovers.
much more
If the death of His Son has such a powerful effect, how much more must the resurrection life of Christ have such a powerful effect (5:10). Christ was raised by God in life stronger than death. That life is able to truly save all who are reconciled. The resurrection and quickening of the Son is therefore the guarantee that every person will be saved from death and receive immortal life (1 Cor. 15:22).
glory
Paul had already said earlier in this chapter that we boast in the hope of the glory of God (5:2). Indeed, we even boast in tribulations, because they strengthen and develop our hope (5:3–4). But not only that, he then says in Romans 5:11: we also boast in God. God is the One who reconciles us and has changed us from enemies into lovers.
God did not need to be reconciled to man. He has never been an enemy of man, but loves the world. Nor does man reconcile himself to God. No, it is God who reconciles man to Himself, because He loves us. Reconciliation is entirely God’s work.
Overwhelmed
Paul himself had been a great enemy and therefore knew very well what he was talking about. In blind rage (Acts 9:1), he had persecuted the Son of God (Acts 9:4). But God’s love and grace had overwhelmed him (1 Tim. 1:14). In an instant, he was transformed from a blasphemer, persecutor, and enemy into a lover of Christ Jesus. Not by his own choice; on the contrary. Paul was convinced—inevitably and irreversibly!