Things The Reconciled Should Know
In Colossians one Paul spoke of the reconciliation that we have through the cross of Christ. He clearly stated the need for reconciliation. Mankind, who at first had been close to God now found them far from the Creator. Their thoughts had led them to all kinds of evil actions. The Son of God took upon Himself flesh He and became a human. He died as a sacrifice for sin. Reconciliation by the blood of Jesus makes it possible for us to stand in the presence of our Holy God as people who are holy, faultless and innocent. We were once alienated from God and we were His enemies. It was because of our own wicked deeds that we needed to be reconciled back to Christ. Without reconciliation to God we would face sure and certain punishment. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) In order to be separate from the wickedness of the world, we had to be reconciled back to God. We are reconciled to God through the blood of Jesus' cross. Our reconciliation cost Jesus His blood. There are some things that reconciled people should remember. Paul, in Colossians chapter two, pictures a number of these things that the reconciled should know.
The reconciled should know who Jesus is: He is the one "In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Colossians 2:3) The scheme of salvation brought about by the death of Jesus is indeed a treasure of wisdom and knowledge. It is in Christ that the Godhead dwells bodily. (Colossians 2:9) The Godhead dwelling bodily in Jesus is in contrast to the vain philosophies of that day. The term Godhead refers to the Divine nature. This nature dwelled bodily in Jesus in opposition to something done figuratively. Jesus is "King of kings and Lord of lords." He is our Savior. He is our everything!
The reconciled should know what they are to do for Christ: We are to "walk in Him." We are to be "rooted and built up in Him." "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7) It takes great courage to live and walk as a Christian should. As Christians we should go on to spiritual maturity. This means that we can face ourselves and face reality. A mature Christian is willing to examine his motives and life and make whatever changes are necessary to truly be a "Christian." It takes courage and self-sacrifice to conduct ourselves as Christians and meet the challenges of life.
The reconciled should know how they became Christians: We did not and cannot “cause” our own salvation. Paul wrote, "Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, Who hath raised Him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12) Have you really placed your trust in Jesus? Without such faith you cannot be saved. (John 3:16) Have you repented of all your sins? If not, you will perish. (Luke 13:3) Have you confessed Jesus as Lord and Christ? If not, He cannot confess you before the Father. (Matthew 10:32-33) Have you yielded in loving trust and been buried with Christ in baptism, believing that the same God who raised up Jesus from the grave can raise you from that watery grave to a new relationship both to sin and to Christ? (Read again Colossians 2:12)
The reconciled should know what Jesus has done for them. The Lord has "quickened" us and hath "forgiven all trespasses." "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses." (Colossians 2:13) Sins, trespasses and transgressions are put off in conversion and baptism. Jesus was resurrected from physical death and because of that we are quickened together with Christ. Our being made alive in Christ is spiritual. Forgiveness of sins is indeed a great blessing. "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace." (Ephesians 1:7) Do we really appreciate the Lord for what He has done for us? God wants us to have a happy life; but real ABIDING HAPPINESS is not found in "following the crowd" but in what Christ has done for us. May we be motivated by love to know and to do the things that we should to honor Christ!
Reconciliation is a change from enmity to friendship. In Christ, God reconciled man to Himself. Christ stood in our place in order that our transgressions were not visited upon our head but upon Christ's.
By Charles Box, Walnut Street Church of Christ, 306 Walnut Street, Greenville, Alabama 36037 USA