Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

240 | Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

gender, and culture because they are organically united by their participation in the body of Christ (Galatians 3:26-29; Colossians 3:11). C. The Church is a community that is concerned for reconciliation among all peoples. 1. The Church functions as an ambassador that invites all people to be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:19-20). This task of mission lays the foundation for all the reconciling activities of the Church. 2. The Church promotes reconciliation with and between all people. a. Because the Church is commanded to love its enemies (Matthew 5:44-48). b. Because the Church is an incarnational community which seeks, like Christ, to identify with those alienated from itself. c. Because the Church embodies and works for the vision of the Kingdom of God in which peoples, nations, and nature itself will be completely reconciled and at peace (Isaiah 11:1-9; Micah 4:2-4; Matthew 4:17; Acts 28:31). d. Because the Church recognizes the eternal plan of God to reconcile all things in heaven and on earth under one head, the Lord Jesus Christ, in order that the Kingdom may be handed over to God the Father who will be all in all (Ephesians 1:10; Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 15:27-28; Revelation 11:15, 21:1-17). D. The Church is a community of friendship: friendship is a key part of reconciliation and spiritual development. 1. Spiritual maturity results in friendship with God (Exodus 33:11; James 2:23). 2. Spiritual discipleship results in friendship with Christ (John 15:13-15). 3. Spiritual unity is expressed in friendship with the saints (Romans 16:5, 9, 12; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Philippians 2:12; Colossians 4:14; 1 Peter 2:11; 1 John 2:7; 3 John 1:14).