Verse 20 says He will reconcile all things. 23 is speaking to believers who are now reconciled if they continue to persist in the faith. Verses 18 thru 20 are a treatise on Who Jesus Christ is and What He will accomplish. It is the reason why He was made manifest,(as Savior) and how (the cross) He will accomplish His mission. (See 1 John 3:8 He came to undo the acts of the Devil, all of them)
In 21, Paul turns his attention directly to the believers at Colosse. "And you, being once estranged and enemies in comprehension, by wicked acts, yet now He reconciles by His body of flesh, through His death, to present you holy and flawless etc... Now, they are reconciled if they believe. In due time, all will be reconciled.
He is the ransom for all, to be testified in due time (1 Tim 2:5&6).
Context. You've pulled 2 verses together that are close to each other, but they have nothing to do with each other.
Example: 16 says "For by him were 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: all things were created by him, and for him:"
Now, I can't conclude by virtue of verse 23 that 16 is true only "if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel."
Remember the context. A general statement about Who Jesus is and what He will accomplish by the end of ages and a specific statement to believers at Colosse 2000 years ago.
Thanks, T_i_t_e!
Have a good weekend!
alan w |
