The Shack and Universal Reconciliation

by Larry DeBruyn

Reconciliation means a change in "relationship." The need for reconciliation presupposes estrangement between two parties (Matthew 5:23-24) "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, "leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

Whereas they became enemies, two parties become friends again. Often, reconciliation needs to occur between humans, between friends, spouses, races, tribes, and nations. But reconciliation also needs to occur between people and God. "alienated" from God (Colossians 1:21-22) “And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—".

Because of our sinfulness we are all separated from God, and need to be reconciled with Him. As such, the doctrine of reconciliation is core to the Christian faith. As White remarks, "Since a right relationship with God is the heart of all religion, reconciliation, which makes access welcome and fellowship possible, may be regarded as the central concept in Christianity."

In contrast to those who are "enemies of the cross of Christ" and "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (Philippians 3:18; “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ..” 2 Timothy 3:4 “traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,”).

The Bible calls faithful Abraham "the friend of God" (James 2:23) "And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was] [accounted to him for righteousness. And he was called the friend of God.”
(Romans 4:3) “For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."

In their relationship to God, all humanity falls into two groups: they are either His friends or enemies. Either, they are reconciled to God, or they are not. The Shack therefore, is big on relationships.

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http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/index.php?cat=50

More on the Shack:
http://herescope.blogspot.com/2008/10/shack-and-universal-reconciliation.html