Christ Has Reconciled You – Colossians 1.19-23

19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister (Colossians 1.19-23).[1]

      Jesus spoke these things, looked up to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you gave him authority over all people, so that he may give eternal life to everyone you have given him. 3 This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent—Jesus Christ. 4 I have glorified you on the earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5 Now, Father, glorify me in your presence with that glory I had with you before the world existed (John 17.1-4, CSB).[2] This was the beginning of Jesus’ prayer prior to His arrest, trial and crucifixion. Paul shows us just how He was glorified by the “fullness of God” dwelling in Christ. In other words, Jesus Christ according to Paul, is fully God, He has all of His attributes, powers and abilities while in His glorified human body.
      God, through Christ, is reconciling the world to Himself. He is not concerned about things on the earth or in heaven, He wants all things to come back into right relationship with Him. Therefore, He is making peace with us through the blood His Son shed on the cross.
      When we are born, our lives are headed down the wide road which leads to hell. We do not have any desire to follow after the things of God, nor do we try to seek Him out. It is only by His grace and mercy we are drawn to His Son, that we come to a saving knowledge of the cross and the amazing sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This is what Paul means when he says we were “once alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds” (Ephesians 2.1-2, 12; Titus 1.16). But God sent His Son to earth in an act of amazing love, to stand in our place, to pay our price, to offer Himself for our sins. Even though He had never sinned, had no reason to do so, and knew we would reject His amazing free gift (John 3.16; Romans 5.8, 6.23). Christ still died, in our place so, we could stand before His Father, Who is now our Father, Holy and Blameless and above Reproach. Not because of anything we have done, but because of what Jesus Christ did for us (Hebrews 10.19-21).
      Here is a warning, we must continue in our faith, always desiring to walk in the spirit and never in the flesh. This will allow us to be stable and steadfast or unmovable in the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is important we have a good foundation and then we build upon that foundation with good materials, so our structure will not fall down. This is what Paul is talking about when he says, continue in faith, be stable and steadfast. We need to build well, on the foundation of our Lord Jesus Christ so when trials and tribulations come, we will be able to withstand them; this is only possible if the structure is solid. This is the gospel which we are called to share with everyone, every day, everywhere, all the time. Will you share the Good News of Jesus Christ Today?

Application

1. Are you allowing God to reconcile you to Himself? In other words, are you allowing God to develop that close personal relationship with you that He desires? Do you desire this kind of relationship? Please explain.
2. Know where you have come from, the life you had before Christ and the life you have now. How has Jesus Christ made a difference in your life? Please be specific.
3. Are you building a solid structure on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ? He is the cornerstone but we must lay good material on the foundation if we want the building to be solid. What does your building look like? Please be specific.

 
Prayer
 
      Our dear Heavenly Father, How wonderful and awesome You are that You would allow Your Son to come to earth and sacrifice Himself for me. Someone who was not worthy of anything when compared to Your Son. Yet, in Your eyes I was worthy of everything, Your Son’s blood. Oh Lord may I never forget His sacrifice, and may I always look for ways to share what He has done for me with others. Lord Help me to continue to build on Your foundation with the correct materials, so my building will be solid and bring glory and honor to You. Lord continue to work with me, drawing me closer to You as Our relationship draws closer and closer. I thank You for even allowing me to understand anything about You and Your Son. I give You all the praise and Glory according to Your Son’s precious and Glorious name, in His Name, the Name of Jesus Christ I pray these things Amen.

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Col 1:19–23). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
[2] Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Jn 17:1–5). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.