Commentary on Colossians 1:20

Colossians 1:20 “and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”

Reconciliation by definition brings peace between two parties. This directly implies two parties were enemies and at variance with each other. How far does the reconciliation go from the blood of Christ’s cross? All things that are able to be reconciled will be reconciled. As far as the curse has gone. Earth was cursed because of Adam’s sin and so was Adam’s race. Through the blood ALL things are reconciled. The blood of Jesus reverses the effects of God’s curse which was a result of man’s sin.

But not all things are redeemable. Jude 6 says, “And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day—” So evil angels are excepted from reconciliation with God. The reconciliation that the things in heaven experience are the effects from those who are reconciled on earth. Those reconciled on earth are changed into the image and nature of the Son of God. Therefore both God and angels (things in heaven) are reconciled to these people who were once enemies. It also seems that this has something to do with the things in heaven being separated from the things in earth. This separate and enmity took place at the time of the fall in the garden of Eden. Almighty God lifted his presence from the earth at the time of the fall, but through the blood of Jesus heaven and earth are reconciled so that heaven (in the future) will once again come back into its rightful position on earth. (Revelation 21:1) The reconciliation that Jesus’ blood paid for is three-fold. 1. our spiritual condition (John 3:5) 2. our physical condition (Phil. 3:21) 3. the earth (Romans 8:20-21)

Forever Perfect?

The pastor at my church has off and on for the last few years brought this verse up and its a huge encouragement to me in my life.

For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. Hebrews 10:14 ESV

God bless,

Jason

Salvation Ready to Be Revealed in the Last Time

This is a sermon that I preached in July of 2009. I had a thought on my heart about Romans 8 and that redemption has two parts, one is called the spirit of adoption which is the new birth and the other is adoption, which is the redemption of our bodies or the resurrection. Then the Lord took me on a journey through scripture that I did not expect. I trust that this sermon is a blessing to you. If it is please comment below.

 

 Salvation Ready to Be Revealed in the Last Time [53:18m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

What is Phileo and Agape Love?

I wanted to write up an explanation of phileo and agape love and also use an example from Scripture to encourage you.

This comes from Wuest’s Word Studies in the Greek New Testament Vol.3, #28, pg.62.

“‘Phileo’ is a love which consists of the glow of the heart kindled by the perception of that in the object which affords us pleasure. It is the response of the human [soul] to what appeals to it as pleasurable… The word was used to speak of a friendly affection. It is a love called out of one in response to a feeling of pleasure or delight which one experiences from an apprehension of qualities in another that furnish such pleasure or delight. ’Agapao’ on the other hand, speaks of a love which is awakened by a sense of value in the object loved, an apprehension of its preciousness.”

This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest (agapao) thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love (phileo) thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest (agapao) thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love (phileo) thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest (phileo) thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest (phileo) thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love (phileo) thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
John 21:14-17

This is after Peter has denied Jesus and went back to a life of fishing (John 21:3) because he felt he totally failed. Jesus is seeking to re-affirm Peter as a disciple.
Based upon the definitions above I want to render the above verses according to the Greek.

Jesus asks Peter do you see my value and understand how precious I am? Peter responds, yes Lord, you provide me with pleasure. Jesus asks, but Peter, do you recognize my intrinsic value and preciousness? Peter responds, yes, I take pleasure in our relationship. Jesus then cuts to the heart and says, but Peter, do you even take pleasure in me? Peter says, you know everything, I can’t hide anything from you, you know that I take pleasure in you. Jesus reaffirms him again and tells him to feed his sheep.

Even though Peter failed greatly and Jesus cuts him to the heart he reaffirms him and sends him to feed Jesus’ disciples. I’m so thankful to know the patience and love that God has towards his elect. No matter what the elect go through Jesus will stand by them and affirm them. The Lord Jesus will do whatever it takes to bring us to heaven. “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” (John 10:28-29) All power in heaven and earth is given to him and all that power stands behind him bringing his sheep, his elect, to eternal life in heaven. Nothing will pluck them out of his hands and nothing, no devil, no bad relationship, NOTHING will separate the elect, the sons and daughters of God from his love!

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35-39