Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Reconciled!
(Colossians 1:20-23)
As Paul’s view of Christ is lofty (see yesterday’s passage), so his view of mankind is dismal. Contemporary prophets of self-esteem and positive visualization gurus have little smile about from Paul’s appraisal of the human condition.
Notice first that we are born in a state of conflict with God. It took the radical sacrifice of Christ on Calvary—the carnage of the cross—to make “peace” (20). Anyone who thinks he can work his own way to God has no concept of the true situation: open warfare exists between God and the sinner. The cross is the only peace treaty; the cross is the sinner’s Appomattox!
In addition, mankind is both “alienated” from God and at enmity with God. The alienation and animosity stem from both the “mind” and “works” of sinful men. Sinful man is not pleasing to God, and there is nothing man can do, so far as works are concerned, to make amends.
How, then, can one become a saint? The answer lies with God’s initiating reconciliation. Reconciliation unites former enemies in peace and friendship. Reconciliation is not a mere cessation of hostilities; it is the beginning of warm relations. Former offenses are forgiven; anger is assuaged; and fellowship—true brotherhood—begins.
Where did reconciliation between God and man take place? Not at a bargaining table with man pleading his worth! It took place “in the body of his flesh” by means of His death (22)! Calvary is the believer’s locus of reconciliation to God.
