No Other Reconciliation

 Just a scary thought.

Most of us who profess to be followers of Jesus, have some degree of hope for eternal resurrected life at some point in the future, when Jesus returns, or after we die. Our hope in this ought to be strong, very strong, as this is what Jesus has achieved for us.

Eternal life with God is mysterious, as we have not experienced this, but, like the thief on the cross, we hope to be with Jesus in his Kingdom.

But what about the other Christians?

Are we happy to share that place with others who are also believers.

Of course everyone including myself answers with a resounding "yes". Until we think about it more.

The focal point of heaven will be the throne of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Mystery again.

Yet we also long to be with those we have lost. Family members, friends, our bible heroes.

But there are some we might not wish to share eternity with.

Now I am not discussing who is able to be saved, other than to stand by the words of Jesus, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no-one comes to the Father except through me". 

The point I wish to come to is the uncomfortable reality of divisions amongst us.

I don't simply mean denominations. 

What of the hurt between fellow believers, resulting in people changing churches or cease attendance, and of course many other situations of separation, for multiple, often painful reasons. 

If two offended parties are both in heaven, what would that be like?

Maybe I have already mentioned the way cemeteries are partitioned into various denominations, could heaven be likewise partitioned?

Unlikely. In fact, unimaginable in my opinion.

Will the disagreements suddenly disappear?

Possibly.

Revelations states that every tear will be wiped away, (by God).

Will our memories be erased?

Again, unlikely.

The point I wish to make is that I do not believe that there will be a courthouse in heaven for the resolution of disputes. 

On earth we do have these necessary places and people, that help with the resolution of disagreements, even within a church.

"Blessed are the peace makers"

BUT

there is only ONE place of reconciliation, in ALL of history.

The cross.

And this has already been completed. 

There will not be a further reconciliation process in heaven, in my theological understanding. 

If the cross has not achieved reconciliation for us, then nothing will.

If I dwell on this point, it helps me look at my life and my issues somewhat differently.

Maybe this is helpful.

The cross is powerful enough to reconcile the whole world to God, and to each other.

As people of the cross we are able to forgive those who trespass against us. 

Maybe this is why we are told to first be reconciled, and then present our offering at the altar? (Matthew 5:23)