For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

Colossians 1:19-20

When the bank statement comes in at work, that is my day of reckoning.  That is to say, any mistakes I’ve made will be brought to the light and dealt with accordingly.

If I cut an accounts payable check with a May date when, in fact it was not only mailed but clears the bank in April, then the date of that check will have to be changed in the accounting program to match the bank.

What sets the standard? In this case, it is the statement that comes from the bank. My records must be made to match those of the bank.This is called reconciliation.

How can you be reconciled to Christ? This passage tells us the motivation, object, and method of reconciliation in God’s economy.

“It pleased the Father.”

This is God’s motivation for sending His one and only Son so that we can  have the opportunity to have eternal life.  Revelation 4:11 in King James tells us that it was for His pleasure that we were created.  This alone should be mind boggling and could easily rabbit trail where it should be its own post.

“All things to Himself.“

All things are the object of the reconciliation. The standard, also noted in this phrase, is Himself. Christ and Christ alone is the standard for comparison, restoration, and congruity. We know from Romans 3:23 that we, as humans, are all sinners; therefore, to compare ourselves to one another when the standard is perfection is humorous at best and blasphemous at worst.

“Through the blood of His cross.“

There is a song (Jesus Never Failed Me Yet by Chris Falson) that says, “Jesus’ blood never failed me yet… no worse sinner I can be, just one drop sill cleanses me…” This powerful, descriptive lyric is so encouraging. Death, specifically the shedding of blood, is required for sin as the entirety of the Old  Testament Law so aptly enumerates. His blood brought peace – the end of our war with God.  Our account now matches that of Jesus; it’s perfect.

Questions for Further Thought:

• What is your impression of this passage?
• What is the definition of peace from this passage and how would it differ from the conventional notion of peace.
• What do you think of when you hear the word “reconcile?”
• What is the motivation for this cross reconciliation?
• How does God’s pleasure motivate you?
• How does reconciliation apply to your fellow man?
• Verses to Look Up
  • Matthew 5:23-24
  • Romans 3:21-25
  • Romans 5:10
  • Romans 6:23
  • 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
  • Ephesians 2:14-17
  • Hebrews 9:21-23