Colossians 1:19-23
Central Truth: Jesus shed His blood on the cross so you can have a right relationship with God.
· Reconciliation –
o To have our relationship restored, made right, “a bringing together again”
o We can be called a friend of God
o “Once Alienated, now reconciled.”
“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.” (Romans 5:10, ESV)
o Restoration of all things – Jesus died to fix what we broke. The whole creation is under a curse of judgment because of sin
“For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” (Romans 8:20–21, ESV)
· Peace – Not just being brought together, but being brought together in peace
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1, ESV)
Our Lord by His death on the Cross bound together again a holy God and sinful man who placed his faith in the Saviour. Likewise, the curse placed upon the material universe because of sin, will one day be removed through that same precious Blood.[1]
· “God was pleased” - It was the desire of the Triune God that Jesus, fully God would shed his blood on the cross so we can have a relationship with God. God so passionately desired a relationship with you that he sent His Son to die for you.
I. Because of the cross, you can be declared righteous before God.
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV)
· Holy – Perfect and righteous / Set apart to God, separated from all evil
· Blameless – Nothing evil in you / free from all defects
· Above Reproach – No fault can be found against you / no one can bring a charge against you
Application: Some will look at their own life and determine this can’t be true of them. All they see is anger, addiction, selfishness, lust, hatred, lies. Others see no value in their self, no self-worth. Still, other see things their proud, self-sufficiency, hard work, religion. Still, the only way you can get you to heaven is if God looks at you and sees: holy, blameless, above reproach. All of us must say, on my own merit, there is no way. But because of Jesus’ death on the cross it can be. God will no longer see your pride, your sin, your work, but the blood of HIs Son covering you and His Son’s righteousness in you.
Illustration: Zechariah 3:1-5
II. Because of the cross, the direction of your life can point towards God.
· Repentance – “once hostile in mind” now mind has changed
· You are looking towards Jesus.
· Sanctification – “continue in the faith”
· Continuance in faith proves the genuine of one’s salvation
· You need not add anything else, simply continue to trust in Jesus!
· A once and for all act (salvation) with continuing results – clinging to Jesus
III. Because of the cross, your eternal destination can be with God.
· The hope of the gospel – we will be with God forever in heave.
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:3, ESV)
Closing Illustration:
The thief on the cross was guilty of crimes worthy of death. But upon the cross, he recognized that Jesus was the Son of God dying innocently in our place. He said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Many would look at the thief and say nothing changed. His situation was still the same. He wasn’t miraculously delivered from death. He continued to suffer and would die. I beg to differ. Though hidden from most, I think everything changed the moment the thief trusted in Jesus. He instantly had a right relationship with God. He went from being God’s enemy to God’s friend. His standing before God instantly changed. This man was guilty of crimes punishable by death was instantly declared holy by God. And though he could not take one step, the direction of this man’s life made a u-turn. He was now headed towards Jesus. And his destination changed in moment. That man who was minutes from hell now abides in heaven forever!
As a 16 year old, I trusted in Jesus to be my Savior. Three things changed in an instant. God declared me holy because he no longer saw my sin but the blood of His Son covering me. The direction of my life changed as I began to face Jesus and the Spirit God took up residence in my life to help me on this journey of becoming more like Him. (Far from perfect, still on a journey!) The destination of my eternal life changed from hell to heaven.
What about you? God wants a relationship with you so passionately that it pleased Him that His Son shed His blood and died on a cross in your place. Are you ready to trust in Jesus and begin a relationship with God? If so, pray to receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord right now.
[1] Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest's word studies from the Greek New Testament : For the English reader (Col 1:20). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.
