Christ, the Reconciler
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile everything to himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Colossians 1:19-20 (CSB)
We are separated from God and in need of reconciliation. We try to live well and be good, hoping to earn God's favor. However, the Bible makes it clear that no amount of effort is enough, as even our best deeds are like filthy rags to the Lord. We require someone to bridge that gap and reconcile us to God. Recognizing this, God devised a plan: He sent His Son Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice, the only necessary Reconciler.
Christ, the Only Path to Reconciliation. Paul previously identified Christ as the agent of Creation, and now he reveals that Christ is also the agent of Reconciliation. We could not create ourselves and needed a Creator. Likewise, we cannot reconcile ourselves and require a Reconciler. Jesus came with the mission to “reconcile everything to himself.” This work was accomplished on the cross, with the victory secured through the resurrection. The victory was not kept to Himself, but He offered the spoil—eternal life—derived from His victory to all who believe in Him by faith. Jesus alone could do this because He alone was the necessary sacrifice.
Christ, the Essential Sacrifice. Christ established peace by shedding His blood on the cross. This bloodshed was necessary because a sacrifice was needed to satisfy God's wrath, which was justified by our sin. Our sins required God’s wrath as punishment. The sacrifice had to be pure, unblemished, and spotless. Therefore, our own efforts could never suffice for this vital sacrifice. Christ, in His perfection, fulfilled these criteria and went to the cross in obedience to the Father’s plan to reconcile us.
Christ, the Peace Giver. Christ, the Peace Giver, is central to salvation. Paul emphasized that Christ provides peace with God, as He secures salvation through His work. Jesus is the exclusive source of peace because He alone offers the path to redemption. He is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one can come to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). True and lasting peace can only be found in a relationship with Jesus, as without Him, it remains beyond reach.
QUESTIONS
How would you explain Christ work as the agent of Reconciliation in your own words?
What makes the sacrifice of Christ greater than any of our good works?
