A primary concept of "atonement" is reconciliation. The human personality is in the image of Satan and in union with Satan, performing Satan's works. It is alienated from God. The Divine redemption restores the personality to friendship (reconciles it) with God.

But the Divine atonement, or reconciliation, goes beyond the restoring of friendship. The atonement has not been fully wrought until perfect union with God has been accomplished. The Divine redemption removes the individual from Satan and Satan's works, changes his image to that of God's image, and brings him into perfect, complete union with God through Christ so the works of God are performed through him.

When we are considering reconciliation to God there are three areas of concern, three issues that must be dealt with thoroughly if we are to enter the rest of God.

- Our choice of environment.

- Our personality.

- Our knowledge of the Lord.

Of the three aspects it is gaining the knowledge of the Lord, including faith, trust, and hope in the faithfulness of God's Word, the conversion of our will to perfect rest in God's will, humility, total dependence on the Lord, and joyous obedience to the Lord, that is the unique purpose of life on earth.

Our environment and personality can be transformed in the spirit realm or on earth, apparently, as we obey the Lord's commandments. But God uses the dark scenes and problems of earth to teach us how to please God and walk with Him.

We are not speaking of the guilt associated with our choice of environment, with our personality, or with our lack of walking with God; for the guilt was taken care of on the cross of Calvary. We already have been reconciled perfectly to God as far as guilt is concerned, provided we continue to abide in Christ.

Rather, it is that which is satanic and self-willed in the three aspects that must be completely converted until the Father through Christ is All in all to us and in us.

Our choice of environment has to do with our willingness or unwillingness to have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, and our rejection or acceptance of the holy, peaceful Presence of God and His angels. (I am not considering a rejection of the ways of the local churches to be a rejection of the ways of God, necessarily, for the churches often are social clubs and abound in the works of the flesh. The Christian churches sometimes repulse people who have the potential for becoming servants of God.)

As we pray to the Lord, He gives wisdom and grace so we may be able to come out from the devilish frenzy of the world and lead a holy, meek, quiet life, separated to God. We prepare ourselves for life in the spirit Paradise and in the Kingdom of God.

To be continued.