Understanding Reconciliation: Christ, Creation, and Consequences

Devotional

Day 1: Reconciliation in the New Creation

In Colossians 1:20, the phrase "all things" refers to the new heavens and the new earth, where everything will be reconciled to God through Christ's sacrifice. This does not imply universal salvation, as there remains a realm of separation for those who reject God. The reconciliation is comprehensive within the new creation, but it does not extend to those who choose to remain in rebellion against God. This understanding challenges the notion of universalism and emphasizes the importance of accepting God's offer of reconciliation through Christ. [02:09]

Isaiah 65:17-18 (ESV): "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness."

Reflection: Consider your own life and relationship with God. Are there areas where you are resisting His reconciliation? What steps can you take today to embrace His offer of peace and restoration?

Day 2: The Reality of Eternal Separation

2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 emphasizes that there will be eternal punishment for those who do not know God, affirming that not all will be reconciled or saved. This passage highlights the reality of eternal separation for those who disobey the gospel. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of rejecting God's love and grace. The eternal separation is not a result of God's unwillingness to save, but rather a consequence of individuals choosing to reject the gospel message. [03:12]

Hebrews 10:26-27 (ESV): "For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries."

Reflection: Reflect on your understanding of God's justice and mercy. How does the reality of eternal separation influence your approach to sharing the gospel with others?

Day 3: The Outer Darkness

Matthew 8:11-12 describes a place of outer darkness for those outside God's kingdom, reinforcing the idea that reconciliation is limited to those within the new creation. This outer darkness is a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth, separate from God's saving rule. It underscores the seriousness of being part of God's kingdom and the consequences of being outside of it. The passage invites believers to examine their own standing with God and to reach out to others with the message of hope and salvation. [04:30]

Matthew 22:13-14 (ESV): "Then the king said to the attendants, 'Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' For many are called, but few are chosen."

Reflection: Think about your role in God's kingdom. Are there people in your life who are in danger of being in the "outer darkness"? How can you be a light to them today?

Day 4: Submission Without Reconciliation

The absence of the phrase "under the earth" in Colossians 1:20, which is present in Philippians 2:10, suggests that those under the earth, such as demons, will not be reconciled but will submit unwillingly. This distinction highlights the limits of reconciliation and the reality that not all beings will be part of the new creation. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle that exists and the ultimate victory of Christ over all powers and authorities. [05:31]

James 2:19 (ESV): "You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!"

Reflection: Consider the areas in your life where you may be submitting to God unwillingly. How can you transform that submission into a willing and joyful obedience?

Day 5: The Exclusion of the Rebellious

Isaiah 66:22-24 illustrates that "all flesh" in the new creation does not include those who have rebelled against God, reinforcing the idea that "all things" in Colossians 1:20 pertains to the totality of the new creation, excluding those who remain in rebellion. This passage serves as a warning and a call to repentance for those who are living in rebellion against God. It also offers hope and assurance to those who are part of the new creation, as they will experience the fullness of God's presence and blessing. [06:48]

Revelation 21:7-8 (ESV): "The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."

Reflection: Reflect on your own life and any areas of rebellion against God. What steps can you take to align yourself with God's will and be part of His new creation?

Sermon Summary

In today's exploration of Colossians 1:15-23, we delve into the profound and often perplexing text of Colossians 1:20, which speaks of Christ reconciling all things to Himself. This passage has sparked much debate, particularly around the concept of universalism—the belief that ultimately, all beings, including demons, will be saved. However, a closer examination reveals that this is not the case. The term "all things" in this context refers to the new heavens and the new earth, where everything will be reconciled to God through Christ's sacrifice. This does not imply that every soul will be saved, as there remains a realm outside of this new creation—hell—where those who reject God will face eternal separation.

To support this interpretation, we consider several biblical passages. First, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 clearly states that there will be eternal punishment for those who do not know God, indicating that not all will be reconciled. Similarly, Matthew 8:11-12 describes a place of outer darkness for those outside God's kingdom. Furthermore, the absence of the phrase "under the earth" in Colossians 1:20, which is present in Philippians 2:10, suggests that those under the earth, such as demons, will not be reconciled but will submit unwillingly.

Isaiah 66:22-24 provides a principled analogy, illustrating that "all flesh" in the new creation does not include those who have rebelled against God. This reinforces the idea that "all things" in Colossians 1:20 pertains to the totality of the new creation, excluding those who remain in rebellion. Thus, the reconciliation spoken of is comprehensive within the new creation but does not extend to those who reject God.

Key Takeaways

1. The term "all things" in Colossians 1:20 refers to the new heavens and the new earth, where everything will be reconciled to God through Christ, but it does not imply universal salvation. There remains a realm of separation for those who reject God. [02:09]
2. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 emphasizes that there will be eternal punishment for those who do not know God, affirming that not all will be reconciled or saved. This passage highlights the reality of eternal separation for those who disobey the gospel. [03:12]
3. Matthew 8:11-12 describes a place of outer darkness for those outside God's kingdom, reinforcing the idea that reconciliation is limited to those within the new creation. This outer darkness is a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth, separate from God's saving rule. [04:30]
4. The absence of the phrase "under the earth" in Colossians 1:20, which is present in Philippians 2:10, suggests that those under the earth, such as demons, will not be reconciled but will submit unwillingly. This distinction highlights the limits of reconciliation. [05:31]
5. Isaiah 66:22-24 illustrates that "all flesh" in the new creation does not include those who have rebelled against God, reinforcing the idea that "all things" in Colossians 1:20 pertains to the totality of the new creation, excluding those who remain in rebellion. [06:48]
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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:15] - Introduction to Colossians 1:20
[00:28] - Question from Heather
[00:45] - Universalism and Reconciliation
[01:09] - Understanding "All Things"
[01:26] - Reading Colossians 1:20
[02:09] - New Heavens and New Earth
[02:51] - Existence of Hell
[03:12] - 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
[04:30] - Matthew 8:11-12
[05:31] - Philippians 2:10
[06:48] - Isaiah 66:22-24
[08:07] - Conclusion on Reconciliation
[09:08] - Listener Engagement
[09:49] - Invitation to Support the Ministry
[10:07] - Upcoming Discussion on Afterlife

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Colossians 1:15-23
- 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
- Matthew 8:11-12

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Observation Questions:

In Colossians 1:20, what does the phrase "all things" refer to, and how does it relate to the new heavens and the new earth? [02:09]
According to 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, what is the fate of those who do not know God or obey the gospel? How does this passage support the sermon’s interpretation of Colossians 1:20? [03:12]
What does Matthew 8:11-12 describe about the fate of those outside God's kingdom, and how does this relate to the concept of reconciliation discussed in the sermon? [04:30]
Why is the absence of the phrase "under the earth" in Colossians 1:20 significant, and how does it contrast with Philippians 2:10? [05:31]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the sermon interpret the term "all things" in Colossians 1:20, and why is this interpretation significant in understanding the scope of reconciliation? [02:09]
What implications does the sermon suggest about the existence of hell and eternal separation from God, based on 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9? [03:12]
How does the sermon use Isaiah 66:22-24 to illustrate the concept of "all flesh" in the new creation, and what does this imply about those who have rebelled against God? [06:48]
In what ways does the sermon challenge the idea of universalism, and how does it use biblical passages to support this challenge? [01:09]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on the concept of reconciliation as discussed in the sermon. How does understanding the limits of reconciliation affect your view of salvation and the afterlife? [02:09]
Considering 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, how does the reality of eternal separation influence your approach to sharing the gospel with others? [03:12]
How can the description of outer darkness in Matthew 8:11-12 motivate you to live within God's kingdom and avoid spiritual complacency? [04:30]
The sermon highlights the importance of understanding biblical terms like "all things" in context. How can you apply this principle to your personal Bible study to avoid misinterpretation? [02:09]
Reflect on the absence of "under the earth" in Colossians 1:20. How does this detail encourage you to consider the nuances in Scripture and their theological implications? [05:31]
How does the sermon’s interpretation of Isaiah 66:22-24 challenge you to think about the inclusivity and exclusivity of God's new creation? [06:48]
In light of the sermon, how can you engage in conversations about universalism with others, using the biblical passages discussed to support your perspective? [01:09]

Sermon Clips

Colossians 1:15 2:23 is a majestic text, in fact is my favorite text in the Bible, but Colossians 1:20 is notoriously challenging and it has baffled and befuddled Bible interpreters and theologians for many centuries. The question comes in to us today from a listener named Heather. [00:00:04]

The question is when Paul says all things, all things will be reconciled to God through Christ, does all things mean every unbeliever who has ever lived, including Satan? And my answer is no, but rather all things is a comprehensive term referring to the new heavens and the new earth. [00:01:57]

Absolutely everything, all things that exist in the new heavens and the new earth will have been reconciled to God through the blood of Christ, but that there is over against that new heavens and new earth and outer darkness and awareness and other there is a reality excluded from the new heaven. [00:02:25]

2nd Thessalonians 1:7 2 9 and these teach me that Paul's doesn't believe in universalism as the second coming of the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel. [00:03:06]

They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might. Now that passage shows that Paul does not believe all will be saved. He believes that there will be an eternal destruction for those who disobey the gospel. [00:03:34]

Matthew 8:11 Jesus says many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into outer darkness outside the kingdom away in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [00:04:30]

So what Paul calls away from the Lord's glory Jesus describes as that place which will be outside of the the the established kingdom of God at the end outside of God's saving rule outside the place where all is reconciled the place of outer darkness. [00:04:55]

Why doesn't Paul say all things under the earth all things in heaven all things on earth all things under the earth because he uses those three in Philippians 2:10 where he says at the name of Jesus every knee will bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth. [00:05:31]

Could it be that Paul did not use the phrase under the earth in Colossians 1:20 because those under the earth will not be reconciled to God they're not part of the all things they will have to submit but they will not be reconciled. [00:06:22]

As the new heavens and the new earth that I make shall remain before me says the Lord so shall your offspring and your name remained verse 23 from New Moon to New Moon and from Sabbath to Sabbath all flesh there's the phrase all flesh shall come to worship before me. [00:07:07]

All flesh means in Isaiah 66 23 is the totality of humanity in the new heavens and the new earth there will be nothing and no one there who does not joyfully worship God rebels will be outside away from the glory of the Lord and that's what I think Colossians 1:20 means as well. [00:08:37]

Thank you Pastor John and thanks for the question Heather this podcast exists because you engage with us we depend on your excellent questions like this one here from Heather and I want to thank you for sending those in to us tens of thousands of questions over the years so grateful. [00:09:06]

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Understanding Reconciliation: Christ, Creation, and Consequences

Devotional

Day 1: Reconciliation in the New Creation

Day 2: The Reality of Eternal Separation

Day 3: The Outer Darkness

Day 4: Submission Without Reconciliation

Day 5: The Exclusion of the Rebellious

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Understanding Reconciliation: Christ, Creation, and Consequences

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