A note from our Pastor:

“And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled”

Colossians 1:21

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

In the prior verses, the Apostle Paul wrote of the divine power of Jesus Christ and discussed the elements of eternal salvation. Those were important truths to establish, but they were of little value to his audience if they were not applied. Now, in our study verse, the Apostle begins to explore the personal implications of the gospel.

This verse, along with the rest of the Apostle’s writings, were directed to a particular congregation. However, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit they were also general instructions that have been preserved. In this case, the words of the Apostle were recorded with the saints at Colossae in mind.

The Apostle begins by saying the saints were at one time alienated from God. This is not a statement about their eternal destiny (as that is unchanging) nor was it a judgment of their lifestyle. Rather, it reflects their knowledge of Jesus Christ and of God. Those at Colossae were gentiles. They were not recipients of the Old Testament teachings. Likewise, given their location, they did not hear the gospel of Jesus Christ until after his death. (Colossae was over 100 miles from Jerusalem.)

The Apostle continues by saying that they were enemies in their minds because of wicked works. The Apostle knew the people of this congregation. He knew how, when he began his ministry with them, their sinfulness bore down on their hearts and minds. They were elect, regenerate children of God, and, thus, they felt the weight of their sins. What they did not have was the knowledge of Jesus Christ and the comfort of the salvation he had completed.

Thus, when the Apostle came preaching the gospel as the Apostle to the Gentiles it changed their state. The purpose of repentance is for the person to be reconciled with God. This starts by knowing that God has forgiven their sins, has justified them by the work of Jesus Christ, and their salvation is secure. When the Apostle preached the message of Jesus Christ and the completness of his work on the cross, these saints were reconciled. They had a burden lifted. They were no longer alienated from God.

What a beautiful message the truth of Jesus Christ is to the elect of God.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah