Reconciled Through Christ
In our daily lives, conflicts are inevitable—whether with friends, family, or a spouse. Often, reconciliation begins when someone takes the first step, and peace is restored in that relationship. Yet, when it comes to our relationship with God, reconciliation isn’t initiated by our efforts. Instead, God reached out to us first. As we explore Colossians 1:20-23, we discover that through Christ, God restored what was lost by initiating reconciliation from the very beginning.
The Main Idea: God’s Initiative in Our Reconciliation
The heart of the gospel message is that reconciliation with God does not start with us reaching out; it begins when God reaches for us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This divine initiative answers the questions of How, Why, What, and ultimately, What Are We to Do? Before we can even think about restoring broken human relationships, we must recognize that our relationship with God was once broken—but God, in His love, took the first step to bring us back into His presence.
The Means of Reconciliation: How? (Colossians 1:20)
There is only one way we could ever be saved—a sacrificial act that required the shedding of blood. Romans 8:3 reminds us that our sin was so overwhelming that nothing we could do on our own would suffice. The story of Achan in Joshua 6–7, culminating in the admonition found in Joshua 7:25-26, further illustrates that God does not operate by half-measures. Rather, it was through the full, unreserved sacrifice of Jesus that the barrier between us and God was broken. Jesus did not merely sign a peace treaty on paper; He demonstrated His commitment with His very life.
Jesus did not just sign a peace treaty – He acted and signed it with His own blood.
The Need for Reconciliation: Why? (Colossians 1:21)
Before we can fully appreciate this reconciliation, we must understand our own condition. Scripture tells us in Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23a that all have sinned, and the consequence of sin is death. We are described as being alienated and hostile toward God—a state that leaves us lost and hopeless. Our previous lives, marked by sinful deeds, have borne fruit that leads to spiritual death. Recognizing the gravity of our condition is essential; only then can we truly appreciate the magnitude of God’s redemptive work.
Sin does not simply take us off course; it leaves us lost and hopeless.
The Result of Reconciliation: What? (Colossians 1:22)
What is the outcome of this divine act? Through Jesus, our reconciliation with God is assured. The work of Christ not only spares us from eternal separation (hell) but also sets us on a path toward eternal life (heaven). More than just a means of moral improvement, Jesus’ sacrifice transforms us completely—from spiritual death into vibrant, living beings. As 1 Peter 1:16 calls us to be holy, we see that this is an expectation only met through the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice.
Jesus did not come to make bad people good; He came to make dead people alive.
The Call to Persevere in the Gospel: What Are We to Do? (Colossians 1:23)
Our response to God’s incredible gift must be one of steadfast perseverance. Genuine faith is not a one-time decision; it is demonstrated by holding fast to the hope we have in Jesus, even when life’s challenges seem insurmountable. As 1 Peter 4:12-13 reminds us, our journey may include suffering, but victory is found in persisting in faith. Remember, salvation is not a sprint—it is a marathon. We are called to remain committed to running the race set before us without giving up.
Salvation is not a sprint; it is a marathon. Stay the course.
Conclusion: Standing Firm in Reconciliation
Today, reflect on your own journey. Are you fully reconciled to God? Have you embraced the finished work of Christ on the cross? In a world rife with broken relationships, God’s redemptive work offers us a bridge to true peace and transformation. Let your life reflect the reality of being restored—living not in isolation or despair, but in the fullness of God’s grace and holiness.