Knowing The Message Of Reconciliation (Col. 1:20–23) Series

When Scripture speaks of reconciliation, it does not include the unbeliever, nor Satan and his angels. Universal salvation is not a Scriptural doctrine, though it certainly appeals to man’s nature. God is a just God. He is not only a God of love but of justice. “God is a righteous judge, a God who expresses his wrath every day” (Ps. 7:11).

Christians must be clear on this, for there are many popular teachers who are now teaching this gospel. This is a false gospel that we must be aware of.

Rule with an “Iron Scepter”

Some might still ask, “Is there a sense in which God will reconcile all things to himself?” It must be noted that though this cannot refer to salvation, there is a sense in which unredeemed man and fallen angels will be reconciled to God, but only in judgment. All creation will bow down to him as Lord. Listen to what Philippians 2:9–11 says:

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

One day everyone will bow down to Christ, but some will bow down only because they must. Psalm 2:9 says the Son will rule with an “iron scepter” (cf. Rev. 12:5), and he will “dash them like pottery.” One day all will submit at the second coming of Christ because they must. The Lamb will return as a Lion. He will judge the earth, and in that sense unredeemed men and fallen angels will finally be forced to submit to Christ as Lord. In this sense, God will reconcile all things to himself, but this reconciliation will not change their eternal destiny.

Application Question: Have you met Christians who believe that all will eventually be saved? Why do you think this perversion of the gospel is growing in popularity? (For further information, research the “Wider Mercy Doctrine.”)

The Message of Reconciliation Is that Christ Is the Reconciler

“By making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation” (Col. 1:20–22).

We have looked at the problem: man and all of creation have been affected by sin. Man is separated from God because of sin. He cannot obey God and will not seek God. Here is the next question. How then can man be reconciled to God?

Interpretation Question: What does Paul teach as the source of reconciliation?

Paul says: “But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation” (Col. 1:22).

He declares that through Christ’s death, redeemed man has now become without blemish and free from accusation. How can this be? How can a sinful man be holy in God’s sight?