What a Contrast

"And although you at one time were estranged and alienated from Him and were of hostile attitude of mind in your wicked activities, Yet now has [Christ, the Messiah] reconciled [you to God] in the body of His flesh through death, in order to present you holy and faultless and irreproachable in His [the Father’s] presence."

Colossians 1:21, 22 (AMP)

Alienated and enemies—actively against God.

But because of Christ's redemptive work

on the Cross at Calvary

—His death and resurrection—

He presents us holy and unblameable and unreproveable in God's sight. Positively consecrated, separated unto God.

What a contrast.

Do I live my life as one who has been presented holy and positively consecrated separated unto God? Do my words, actions, thoughts, choices, reflect that I've been redeemed by Jesus Christ? 

Or do I still live as an enemy—actively against God? 

The only way for me to live a life in accordance with God's Word, is to be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Reflection

"[Now] He is the exact likeness of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible]; He is the Firstborn of all creation." Colossians 1:15 (AMP)

Jesus Christ is God in every way. Perfect. Holy. For God to accept Jesus Christ death as a payment for my (our) sin, He had to be — without blame Himself. Only the Son of God could meet the qualifications to provide redemption to sinners. 

As I read this verse, and thought through the accounts of Jesus Christ's time on earth recorded in the Gospels, it was evident that He was indeed the exact likeness of God. His actions, words, abilities, everything Christ did was a reflection of His Heavenly Father. 

Who do people see in my reflection? I'm not God and never will be. I was born a sinner, but thankful I'm saved by God's grace. And because I'm a child of God, my reflection should be of my Heavenly Father. 

In 2011, I wrote "My statement to God about my desire to be in His Word." 

I ended it with this statement: "Your Word has the power to change me into a daughter who 'looks like her Father'. And that is my desire—which I will work toward with strong determination." 

The only way for me to "look like my Father" is to be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG)

God's Redemption

"In Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins." Colossians 1:14 (AMP)

In Whom: Jesus Christ. Salvation is not based on some book or feeling. It's based on the God's Son, who died in payment for MY sins (and yours). 

Redemption: bought, delivered, rescued. 

Forgiveness: How does one describe "forgiveness"? In our human minds, when we forgive, we more than not, remember the action against us, and hold it against that person for years. That is not the forgiveness God gives. Rather, His forgiveness is full and He not only forgives but "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12)"

Our sins: My sins. All sins. The thoughts, the actions, the non-actions. 

If only I could fully grasp the truth of God's redemption....the impact it would have in my life. The more I'm permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG), the more I'll begin to understand God's holiness and His grace and mercy in redeeming me.