Occasionally we hear of a couple who are estranged from each other, not speaking, and possibly physically separated from one another. Sometimes this happens between parents and teenaged or older children, where there is no communication, no connection between them. Going to a marriage or family counselor, or to a clergyman is often suggested. Sometimes such alienation happens in the workplace or between neighbors. A mutual friend or co-worker can sometimes help work things out. When this happens between nations, the ambassadors or a neutral third country’s leader might try to work for peace. In our Scripture passage today from Paul’s letter to the Colossians we read how all of mankind was alienated from God, and what was done to rectify this condition.
As Paul writes to the Colossians, he reminds them that before they were saved, they were alienated and enemies of God (vs. 21). That is the case with everyone. Before we were saved, we were all enemies of God. We were all sinners, and had turned our backs on Him. Sin corrupted our way of thinking about God. Wrong thinking leads to sin, which destroys our thoughts about God, leading to alienation from Him. Unbelievers hate God, and resent His holy standards because they love wicked works. We all lived as God’s enemies, with wrong thinking and evil behavior.
However, as Paul continues on, he shows us that God did not leave us in that condition. He did not want man to remain alienated from Him. God sent His Son Jesus to reconcile us to the Father (vs. 21-22). Jesus’ death on the cross paid the full penalty for the sins of all who believe, making reconciliation possible. Any sin is enough to cause us to need Jesus for salvation. Apart from Him there is no way for our sins to be forgiven and removed. Because of Jesus, who reconciled all who believe, we are no longer enemies of God. On our own we would be condemned. However, Jesus died for us, and now presents us holy to God, without blemish, and free from accusation. He is our mediator between ourselves and God (I Timothy 2:5).
Paul continues on by instructing us that we need to root ourselves in the faith and hope of the Gospel, to persevere to the end (vs. 23). Rather than defecting from the faith, true believers remain solid on Christ and faithful to Him. Paul also teaches that when the Church suffers persecution, Christ also suffers, as we are part of the Body of Christ (vs. 24). Jesus’ enemies never get their fill of inflicting injury on Him. When they persecute believers they are really persecuting Jesus. Whatever persecution Paul suffered, he would endure, as he wanted to benefit and build up the Church.
There were false teachers in the church at Colossae, and one thing that they were teaching was that spiritual perfection was a secret, hidden, and very exclusive plan that only a few privileged people could discover. However, Paul shows us that through Christ, God’s plan of salvation was made open for all (vs. 26 - 27). Jesus lives in the hearts of all who accept Him as Savior, whether Jew or Gentile. We who are born again believers, have almighty God, Creator of all, the One who holds authority over the power of the enemy, living inside of us (vs. 27). Because of the finished work of the cross, we are now one with Christ, and co-heirs of His glorious inheritance. God’s presence is inside of us, and so is His power to deliver us.
Paul wished to correct the Colossians wrong beliefs and practices, and to teach them correct ones (vs. 28). He wanted to present them to God as fully mature believers. The word “perfect” here means to be complete and mature. To be like Christ. All believers should strive to be spiritually mature.
Have you been reconciled to God, or are you still at enmity with Him? We like to have peace between ourselves and others, especially family members. How much more important is it then to have peace between ourselves and Almighty God? Jesus bought that peace with His Precious Blood on the Cross, and if we just call upon Him as our Savior, we can be reconciled to God. Call upon Him now, and have peace with God.
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