DAILY EMAIL GOODIES
Issue #2554 December 14, 2010
THE RECONCILIATION OF ALL THINGS
“Having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven” (Colossians 1:20).
Even though the Bible is a book specifically about the details of human redemption, Paul’s unequivocal testimony is to the reconciliation of “all things” that have been alienated from God – not just man.
According to Paul, “all things” will be reconciled to God – “all things … in earth” and “all things … in heaven.” We know what is alienated in the earth that needs to be reconciled to God; but what about “in heaven”? What is alienated there that is in need of reconciliation? Why, Satan and the fallen celestial powers, of course!
Satan and the fallen celestial powers are exactly what the backdrop of Colossians 1:20 includes. Listen to Paul, just a few verses earlier –
“… all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers” (:16).
Again, it is clear revelation given to Paul that there will be a reconciliation of “all things” – all things that have been alienated. The context is abundantly clear – the “all things created” ARE the “all things” RECONCILED.
Specifically included here in the “all things” are the exact same adversaries – the “principalities” and “powers” – against which we currently wrestle according to Ephesians 6:11-12. God says that they, too, will be reconciled. God will leave no corner of His vast and wonderful universe outside of His unfailing love.
Therefore, the context of the reconciliation of Colossians chapter one plainly includes Satan and the fallen celestial powers. Oh, the great grace, love and mercy of God that are abundantly demonstrated and magnified in the full extent of their reach – even to the reconciliation of Satan and fallen celestial powers.
Paul repeats these gloriously triumphant truths in Ephesians 1:10:
“That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him.”
Again you will notice the context of “heaven” and “earth.” This dual sphere is also repeated in Philippians 2:10-11:
“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
This reconciliation is truly universal! No creature will be left out. Nothing will be left alienated or unreconciled to God. There will be an entire, universal “restoration of all things.”
“For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things …” (Romans 11:36).
“And when all things shall be subdued unto Him, then shall the Son also Himself be subject unto Him Who put all things under Him, that God may be All in all” (I Corinthians 15:21-28).
Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr,
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