THE RECONCILING WORK OF JESUS CHRIST

COLOSSIANS 1:20-23

The word reconciliation (katallasso or a form thereof) means to change thoroughly, to be changed thoroughly. Christ is in the work of changing! Not Him, he never changes and needs not to change. But us and the universe, as we shall see.

1. It is a completed work [v. 20] "And, having made peace..." "It is finished!"

2. It is a costly work [v. 20] "through the blood of his cross"

I Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

The paramount difference between Christianity and pagan religions is that Christianity has a God who SHED His blood in love for a lost world, while the pagan gods are continually calling for blood... the blood of the people who worship a stone god that cannot see, hear, nor speak. Our God, gave His own blood -once for all, forever, never to be repeated; but the poor heathen returns again and again and again with blood, blood, and more blood! -Oliver B. Greene

3. It is Christ's work [v. 20] "by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him I say,"

Eph. 2:13-19 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

4. It is a comprehensive work [v. 20] "whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven."

Rom. 8:21-23 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

5. It is a change-inducing work [v. 21-22, 13]

6. It is a continuing work [v. 23]

It is completed and done but it has set us on the path of new life in Jesus Christ! We also look forward to the new bodies He has purchased for us!

Romans 5:10 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.

II Cor. 5:18-20 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.