In the last article presented in this column, we conducted a brief examination of Hebrews 9:11-28. In this examination, it was noted how Jesus, the testator of the new covenant of reconciliation, had to offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice and, through His blood, purchase the covenant through which anyone can become reconciled back to God. The next step in understanding how one can gain the great and precious promises that are offered in this covenant is to recognize our state outside of this covenant. Colossians 1:19-23 is a good place to turn and read to begin to understand why we need reconciliation with God.
For it pleased the Father that in Him (Jesus) all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.
When analyzing this passage in Colossians it is important to recognize who the audience is that Paul is writing to. Colossians 1:2 states, “To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse….” Paul is not addressing those out in the world but providing a reminder to those who have already entered into this covenant relationship with God through Christ. Note, as bolded above, prior to entering this covenant of reconciliation, they were enemies of God and thus alienated or separated from God. As also bolded above, they had a need to maintain this relationship via their continued faithfulness and steadfast connection with God through the covenant…this covenant, with its eternal promise, is the hope that was presented to them in the gospel and is the same hope presented to us today in that same gospel that is without alteration for it is an everlasting covenant. “Now may the God of the peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant…” (Hebrews 13:20) And this everlasting covenant is authored by an unchanging Lord. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
In fact, the scriptures are very clear in regard to those who would seek to change the gospel that reveals this great and glorious covenant of reconciliation through Christ. Consider the following words Paul penned in Galatians 1:6-9 to the congregations of believers living throughout the province of Galatia.
I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
Paul first points to the fact that there were individuals that were teaching a distorted or perverted form of the true unadulterated gospel. How much of the gospel needs to be altered before it becomes distorted? Well, the answer is pretty straightforward; to alter even the smallest fraction of the gospel as well as the doctrines that conform to it (1 Timothy 1:10-11) results in a distorted variant that is not 100% in line with the Word of God and the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. Second, note that Paul points to the fact that no being in heaven or on earth has the authority to alter it, not Paul, nor those in his company, not even an angel. Furthermore, any who does so is cursed by God.
Peter pens a similar warning in 2 Peter 3:14-18…
Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
Peter makes a very clear statement that those who twist the Scriptures do so to their own destruction. And that all of us need to be careful not to be led into the same error. How do we guard against being led into an error that would result in our destruction? Simple, really, grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior; grow in the knowledge of His Gospel, His Doctrines, His Truth, His Word. You cannot be blindly led astray if you are not blind, but rather your eyes are fully open to the truth.
Between reading this and the next article, spend some time thinking about how you entered into the covenant of reconciliation with God through Christ. What actions did you take, and what steps did you take? Write it down and then open God’s Word, search through the New Testament, and find scriptures that reinforce that method of coming into a covenant relationship with God and Christ. Acts is a book full of conversions. Look at each of them and ask yourself if the instructions they received to begin their walk with Christ and God are the same as what was told to you. If you would like, go to cogitations.net and click on the ‘Talk Back’ tab and share with me your journey of reconciliation with God.
Next week in part three of this series we will take a deep look at all the Bible has to offer regarding how to enter into this covenant relationship with God. After all, the only way in is that which the true, unaltered scriptures direct. Let me leave you with the words Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:15.
…and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
(Carl Hartman is the Minister at Main Street Church of Christ in Lockney)
