THREE BLESSINGS OF RECONCILIATION! (part 1 of 3)
In Paul’s letter to the church at Colosse, he encouraged…
“(21) And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, (22) he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, (23) if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.” (Colossians 1:21-23 ESV)
Besides the wonderful fact reconciliation is the act of bringing us back into a relationship with God — made possible through the death of Jesus on the cross — there are other blessings that come with the package, three of which are noted in this passage. The first of the three mentioned by Paul is what I want us to consider today. Then, Lord willing, we will meditate on the other two over the next two days.
Paul stated, “… in order to present you holy.” Being “holy” is a term so closely associated with God. He wants us to be holy because He is holy. (1 Peter 1:16). His desire is for us to share His essence of holiness and He has provided the means to make that possible. Being brought back to God — reconciled through Jesus — we can be viewed as holy by God. Paul made it clear that sanctification followed reconciliation. Unless we are reconciled to God we cannot be sanctified. There must be a relationship.
The Greek word “hogios” used by Paul here in Colossians means “most holy thing” and is also translated “a saint”. We have been consecrated to God. We have been sanctified. We have been made holy. And as holy, our life is to be something “devoted” to God for His purposes — no longer considered a “common” thing. That is the idea of the consecrated things, the “devoted things”, the things set apart to God under the old law. Once they were “devoted” to God they were no longer to be used for “common” purposes.
Peter encouraged. . .
“(9) But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9 ESV)
Therefore, how does that strike us in the way God looks at us and views our value and our purpose and our use in this life? Being holy, how are we going to live?
Peter summed up the focus in the following way:
“(13) Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (14) As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, (15) but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, (16) since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”” (1 Peter 1:13-16 ESV)
In the description of the priestly garments for Aaron was a plate of pure gold, fastened to his turban with a blue cord. On this plate were engraved the words, “Holy to the LORD.” (Exodus 28:36) It was to remain on Aaron’s forehead so that he would be acceptable to the Lord. Peter declared that we are a “royal priesthood.” Are we not then to live our life as “Holy to the LORD”?
As God is holy, so we are to be holy. And we are to be holy in all we do. May that be our constant aim in our walk in Christ!
Have a great day BEING HOLY TO THE LORD!
Carl
THREE BLESSINGS OF RECONCILIATION! (part 2 of 3)
Reconciled to God, the means has been provided for us to be blameless before God. (Colossians 1:22) This is a sacrificial term. The Greek “amomos” means “without blemish” or “unblameable”. It was to be the condition of all that was sacrificed under the old law. Because of the powerful blood of Jesus, we have been cleansed; we have been purified; we have been made to be blameless or without blemish. (note also Ephesians 5:25-27) Are we such an offering?
To the church at Rome, Paul wrote. . .
“(1) I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1 ESV)
We are not consumed on an altar; burned up as the sacrifices were under the old law. However, as living sacrifices, we are to be consumed with a focus of living for God and His purposes. We are to be consumed with living to glorify Him. Since, in Christ, we have been made to be without blemish, our life can be an acceptable offering to God; a favorable sacrifice in His sight.
Let us thank God for the power of purification He has provided in Christ. Let us praise Him for the removal of the stains of sin. And let us wholeheartedly offer Him our very lives in worshipful service to His glory and praise.
Have a great day LIVING ACCEPTABLE TO GOD!
Carl
THREE BLESSINGS OF RECONCILIATION! (part 3 of 3)
Reconciled to God, provision has been made for us to be above reproach before Him. (Colossians 1:22) We have noted a term closely associated with God (“holy”), as well as a sacrificial term (“blameless” or “without blemish”). Here we have a judicial term. The Greek word used by Paul is “anegkletos” meaning “that cannot be called into account”, “unreproveable,” “unaccused,” or “blameless.”
Now, I know my sins. I know my imperfections. I’m sure you are well aware of your own. But in our relationship with Christ, we do not have to worry about our sins being held against us. Yes, we must remain in the relationship and strive to live in accordance with the Will of God, but the blood of Jesus so cleanses us that our sins are removed. (i.e. 1 John 1:7; Hebrews 9:14) What it means to be blameless or unaccusable here is that God can so establish us as such that we can be viewed with unimpeachable character. He views us in a way that no one can come in and reverse the decision. There is no ground for any subsequent charges to be brought against us. Wow! What a blessing! Blameless!
Paul encouraged in his letter to the church at Rome. . .
“(33) Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. (34) Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died — more than that, who was raised — who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” (Romans 8:33-34 ESV)
The accuser may step forward, but the judge says, “Case closed. No more evidence admissible. Defendant is innocent.”
However, we must recognize that the sole realm of this great blessing is in our relationship to Christ. As Paul encouraged. . .
“(1) There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2 ESV)
We have an Advocate. We have One Who speaks in our defense. (1 John 2:1) We have, in Christ, the best Defense we could possibly have. Praise God for such a blessing that can enrich us with a great sense of peace as well as confidence in approaching our God.
Have a great day LIVING IN GOOD CONSCIENCE BEFORE GOD!
Carl
