If Christ came to...
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If Christ came to reconcile the world to God, then there must be a state of separation, alienation, estrangement. One would not speak of reconciling two loyal and trusting friends; one would not speak of reconciling two casual acquaintances; one would not speak of reconciling a man in New York or a man in San Francisco who had never seen each other. But one does speak of reconciling a father and a son who have become estranged, a mother and daughter who have become alienated, a husband and wife who have become separated. Reconciliation can take place only between parties who have a close relationship with each other; and that is true of humanity in our relationshp with God. No sinning, no wandering, no rebellion can break the eternal tie of our relationship with God. Even though we may be fallen, stained, and rebellious, each of us is, by creation, a member of God's family. And he has reconciled us to himself through the precious blood of his only Son, Jesus Christ.
- Miller
