Colossians 1:21-23
As a believer in the Jesus Christ, it is encouraging to examine our own heart and review our experience of reconciliation.
In our text, Paul suggests three things that we can focus on.
First, look at what you were before reconciliation. You were alienated and were an enemy of God. Ephesians 2:11-12, Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flsh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. Your mind and attitude were “actively hostile to God. You were at war with God! You needed to repent, or have a change of mind, before you could be reconciled to God.
Second, Your present reconciliation is complete. You did not reconcile yourself to God; it was God who took the initiative in His love and grace. The Father sent the Son to die on a cross that sinners might be reconciled to God. Romans 5:6, For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:8-10, But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. In His human body, Jesus bore our sins on that body on the cross. 1 Peter 2:24, Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
The purpose of reconciliation is personal holiness. The word “holy” expresses the idea of “being set apart, being devoted to God.” Unblameable means, “without blemish.” It is amazing that God looks at His children and sees no blemish on them! Unreproveable mean, free from accusation.” Once we have been reconciled to God, no charge can be brought against us, Romans 8:31-34. We have perfect standing in Christ, so why seek anything else?
Third, you have a firm foundation. Verse 23, If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am
made a minister… This statement seems to cast a shadow on the assurance of the believer’s future. However, the “if”
clause does not suggest doubt or lay down conditions by which we “keep up our salvation.” Paul uses an architectural image of a house firmly set on a foundation. The town of Colosse was located in a region know for earthquakes, and the word “moved away
could mean “earthquake stricken.” Paul was saying “If you are truly saved, and built on the solid foundation, Jesus Christ, then you will continue in the faith and nothing will move you. You have heard the gospel and trusted Jesus Christ, and He has saved you.
In other words, continuing in the faith does not save us; but we continue in the faith and thus prove we are reconciled.
Paul challenges every professing Christian to examine his own faith and heart to be sure he is a child of God. II Corinthians 13:5, Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
by Dennis Baker, Brotherhood President
