The world is full of carnal pleasures seeking our allegiance. The “god of this age” (2 Cor. 4:4) blinds us with the “pleasure of sin for a season” (Heb. 11:25) that we may find ourselves enslaved to the Father of lies (John 8:44). This was one of the many problems in the Colossian congregation. In addition to Gnosticism convincing many that Christ was not truly the Son of God, carnality and sin of every kind gained entrance into the body of Christ (cf. Col. 3). Establishing the supremacy of Christ in one way in which the book combats these issues. Colossians 1:15-20 lifts 8 reasons why we should bow the knee in allegiance to Christ instead of the world.
Over the last two weeks we have noticed the first 7 of these reasons. (1) He is the image of the invisible God (Col. 1:15a). (2) He is the Firstborn of every creature (Col. 1:15b). (3) All things were created by Him (Col. 1:16). (4) He is before all things (Col. 1:17). (5) He is the head of the church (Col. 1:18a). (6) He is the firstborn from the dead (Col. 1:18b). (7) in Him all fullness dwells (Col. 1:19). In Colossians 1:20 we find the 8th and final reason – Jesus has made peace.
Sin separates us from God (Isa. 59:1-2). Because of His absolute holiness, God can have nothing to do with those who are stained with sin. Christ made peace between God and man through His atoning work at Calvary. He reconciled us to God which means He restored the relationship that was destroyed by sin. We who were alienated from God are brought near to Him through the blood of Jesus (Eph. 2:12). Without His sacrifice, peace with God would never be possible.
These great truths could only be said of Christ. Though Satan may desire us (Luke 22:31; 1 Pet. 5:8-9), Christ deserves us. Life and blessing are found only in submissive service to Him. May we ever strive to that end. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God” (Col. 3:1).