The gospel offers the sinner many promises. Among these promises is a reality that can be easily forgotten – fellowship with God. The gospel declares that not only can we have union with God but that we can also enjoy fellowship with God. This divine reality finds its root in the beginning when God establishes a covenant with Adam (Genesis 2:16). Sin destroyed the fellowship that mankind had with God; but through Christ this fellowship is restored. If you are a Christian, do you struggle to believe this? If you are non-Christian, do you long to partake in this?
Sin disrupts fellowship
Humans were made for God. We were made to reflect and revere the glory of God in all that we say, do or think. Sin distorts this reality since sin rejects the glory of God. To sin is to declare that there is something or someone else that can satisfy me more than God. The charge declared in Romans 3:9-12 is damning
“What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”
Romans 3:9-12
This diagnosis defines the state of mankind. Our sin separates off from God and blinds us to our need for God. Yet, whilst we were yet sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:6,8). Not only are those who trust in Christ forgiven (Ephesians 1:7), they are reconciled (2 Corinthians 5:18) and adopted by God (Romans 8:15). What sin sought to destroy, in Christ, God redeemed.
Grace restores fellowship
It can be difficult to believe that God loves you. Even more so to believe that God delights in you. Yet this is not hyperbole. The bible continuously reminds God’s people that they are loved (Psalm 18:19, Zephaniah 3:17, Isaiah 62:3-5, Psalm 149:4, 1 John 4:16, John 15:9-11). When personal failures occur, it disrupts our faith. Therefore, John calls for believers to confess their sin (1 John 1:9). Darkness cannot have fellowship with light (1 John 1:6). Confession of sin declares that your allegiance is to God. Confession is not earning a relationship with God, it confirms it. It states that I trust God to be who is – faithful (1 john 1:9 c.f. 1 Corinthians 1:9).
The good news is that this offer of fellowship is for sinners. Grace and mercy are readily available for all those who realise they need it (Matthew 9:12-13). We have all fallen short of the glory of God, but in Christ there is hope. Satan (your enemy) wishes to tempt you, like he did Eve, with the idea that God is withholding something from you. The devil is liar (John 8:44), God wants to give you the best thing in the world. He wants to give you Himself. My prayer is that God will open your eyes to see your sin and Christ’s saving grace (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). You were made for fellowship with God, come home.