The world’s definition of reconciliation is to settle one's differences and make peace. In this framework, people are reconciled when they compromise or change their stand on something. However, this definition does not give an accurate picture of someone being reconciled with God. The term in Colossians 1:20, 22 is a compound word. It is apo katallasso meaning to thoroughly, to completely or to totally be reconciled.
When a man or woman is reconciled to God, God does not change. He does not need to because He is holy. Nor does He need to conform to any new norm. Technically, God does not need to be reconciled to man. Rather, God needs to be propitiated, and the sinner is reconciled. When a man is reconciled to God, his position and standing is totally or completely changed, but God remains the same.
The need for our reconciliation to God is expressed in Colossians 1:21, “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works . . .” The means by which we are reconciled to God is conveyed in Colossians 1:21b-22. “yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death;”and finally, the results of genuine reconciliation is revealed in the latter part of verse 22, “to present us holy and unblameable and unreproveable in God’s sight.".
This message is designed to examine the important truths behind God’s amazing plan to reconcile “all things to Himself” - Colossians 1:20b. |
