5-21-07 Colossians 1:21-23

Colossians 1:21-23 (NAS)
And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind,
engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach—if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.

At one time you existed as a stranger and a foreigner to God and His Kingdom. As His enemy, you were separated from Him. There was no intimacy or fellowship with Him. There was only hostility. In your mind and understanding, you thought there was only hatred between you and God. Your life was comprised of great trouble, intense desire and pain. Even though you labored and toiled, you were always pressed and harassed. All you could see were annoyances and hardships.

Now at this present time, you are no longer separated. The Lord has reconciled you to Himself, bringing you back into harmony with Him. You now are in His favor. You have been transformed.

Through His death, Jesus Christ experienced the misery of the soul that sin brings. He gave His flesh over to death in order to save and to rescue you from the destruction of sin. He became sin for you on the cross so that you can be made well, healed and restored.

God has now brought you near to Himself. You now have fellowship and intimacy with Him. You can stand in His presence unharmed, safe and sound. He has made you pure and clean. You are faultless and blameless. No one can find a blemish in you. You are no longer a disgrace. No one can accuse or bring a charge against you. He has made you holy. You are sacred to Him and He cherishes you with tender love. You are precious in His sight!

Therefore, continue to abide in His presence. Do not depart from the truth of God's word. Maintain your trust in the Lord and keep fervent in your belief in Him. Remain faithful to Him and confident in His love. Always strive to please Him. as you obey and yield to Him in everything.

Jesus Christ is the firm foundation that has been laid in your life. He has stabilized and established you. You are firm, immovable and steadfast. Do not let yourself be moved by any expectation of fear. Expect only good and reward.

You have already received God's kindness and His blessing. You heard the good news of the gospel that was preached to you and you responded. You are God's child and you belong to Him forever!