RECONCILIATION

Colossians 1:20

“Having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven” (Colossians 1:20).

The subject of our text is reconciliation. It is reconciliation with God for man. There is no reconciliation in this world that is needed more than this reconciliation. It is true there are a myriad of places in this world where there is a need or reconciliation of some sort, but before we can be truly reconciled in those places we must first be reconciled with God. And in God’s marvelous grace, He has provided a plan by which we may be reconciled to Him. We do not deserve to be reconciled to God but His grace provides for it anyway. However, the terms are God’s terms, not man’s terms. It is man that has done evil and requires the reconciliation. God had done nothing wrong. It is man that needs reconciliation. Therefore, the terms are God’s terms. We note three of the terms of reconciliation which are spoken of in our text.

FIRST—THE CLEANSING IN RECONCILIATION

“Having made peace through the blood.” Throughout the Scripture, we learn very clearly about the blood and its essentialness for reconciliation with God. Exodus 12:13 says “When I see the blood I will pass over you” and because of the blood, death would not come upon the Israelites. Hebrews 9:22 says, “Without the shedding of blood there is no remission.” Revelation 5:9 says, “Christ hath redeemed us to God by His blood.” 1 John 1:9 says, “The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.” In spite of what the Scripture says many oppose the blood requirement for reconciliation but these are terms God has given and we must accept the terms if we want be reconciled.

SECOND—THE CROSS IN RECONCILIATION

“Though the blood of his cross.” Calvary is necessary for reconciliation. The cross was not an accident, it was not something that happened that God was not able to stop. It was planned, it was decreed by God. Many have tried to have reconciliation without the cross but it will never happen. In order for us to be forgiven of our sins, someone must suffer on the cross in our place. If you leave out the cross of Calvary in your reconciliation message, you do not have a message of reconciliation with God.

THIRD—THE CHRIST IN RECONCILIATION

“Blood of his cross by him … by him.” It must be the blood of Christ and it must be His cross or their is no reconciliation with God. Christ is the Savior of men, the Great Reconciler. Ten thousand others could have died and shed blood but it would not save a soul for only the blood of Jesus Christ saves. Reconciliation is all through Christ. It is His blood, shed on His cross that can cleanses away our sin. The emphasis in our text is upon Him. That is God’s terms. If you want peace/reconciliation with God, you must come through Jesus Christ or you will not be reconciled.