What does "making peace through the blood of His cross" mean for believers? “and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross.” Setting the Scene in Colossians - Paul spotlights Christ’s supremacy over creation (vv. 15-19) and the sufficiency of His saving work. - False teachers offered extra steps to reach God; Paul directs everyone to the cross, where real peace was secured. What “Making Peace” Means - Peace (Greek eirēnē, echoing Hebrew shalom) is wholeness, harmony, well-being. - Sin shattered that harmony: “Your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God” (Isaiah 59:2). - God initiates reconciliation: at the cross, Jesus restores the relationship that human rebellion ruined. Why the Blood Matters - “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). A life must be given in place of the guilty. - Jesus’ blood is uniquely effective because He is the sinless God-Man; His sacrifice satisfies divine justice once for all (Hebrews 10:10). - The cross is not merely an example but a literal, substitutionary payment. What Peace Looks Like for Believers • Peace with God – “Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). – No more condemnation (Romans 8:1); God’s throne is now a place of welcome, not wrath. • Peace within – Guilt cleansed, conscience quieted; His peace “will guard your hearts and your minds” (Philippians 4:7). – Identity anchored: accepted, forgiven, loved. • Peace with others – The same cross that reconciles us to God unites us to one another. “He Himself is our peace… making the two one” (Ephesians 2:14-16). – Ethnic, social, and personal walls fall; the church previews restored humanity. • Peace over creation – Christ’s work guarantees the future liberation of the cosmos (Romans 8:21). – We live in hope, knowing the world’s brokenness has an expiration date. Living Out the Peace He Purchased - Let the peace of Christ rule: choose reconciliation over resentment (Colossians 3:15). - Keep short accounts with God; the blood that saved you also cleanses daily (1 John 1:7). - Share the message: we are “ambassadors for Christ” carrying His offer of peace (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). - Rest in assurance: when accusations rise, point to the cross that forever settled the case. Key Takeaways - Peace was not negotiated; it was bought with blood. - That purchase is sufficient, final, and personal. - Because Jesus made peace, believers can enjoy God, experience wholeness, pursue unity, and anticipate a renewed creation. |
    |