Click to play, right-click to download:
April 9, 2017 | Pastor Bayles | Belief: The Proof of Reconciliation | Colossians 1:21-23
The Scripture states: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom.5:8). This is perhaps the most astounding statements in the Bible. We would expect to see and we are so comfortable with seeing that rewards follow successful behavior. We fulfill the commandments, then we receive a reward. However, if this principal is the standard, then we all would be eternally condemned, for “There is no one righteous, not even one!” (Rom.3:10). “But God...” has reconciled the lost to Himself through the atonement of Jesus Christ at the cross. This is the message presented in the poem of vv.15-20 and brought to a crescendo in v.19, 20: “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Jesus Chris is the guarantor of reconciliation for God. God’s justice is universally for all the redeemed. This is the judicial, eternally resolved fulfillment of salvation. It is total and complete. Yet another dynamic emerges from this universal reality. That is the unfolding or revealing of this redeemed status. This is the subject of Paul’s message today. The unveiling of justification who, though still sinners, are the recipients of the atonement Christ has purchased at the cross. Today we will see the opening of a gift that has been hidden, but now revealed by faith alone.
No comments:
Post a Comment