From Alienation to Assurance

Preeminence of Christ- 4

 

TITLE: “From Alienation to Assurance”            

TEXT: Colossians 1:21-24

THEME: The transformative power of Christ's sacrifice in reconciling believers to God, moving them from a state of alienation and enmity to one of acceptance and reconciliation through faith in Him.

TASK: Sin creates division, but Christ brings reconciliation, empowering believers to persevere in faith.

TEACH: Picture a house abandoned for years -windows broken, roof sagging, mold on the walls, weeds swallowing the yard. Everyone who walks by thinks the same thing: “It’s worthless. Tear it down.” But then one day, a builder buys it. He sees what no one else sees. He isn’t intimidated by the mess. He tears out rotten boards, removes damaged wiring, replaces the foundation, and rebuilds it piece by piece.

 

Months later, a family stands inside a fully restored home -clean, beautiful, secure. That’s what we see here in Colossians 1:21-23. We were ruined by sin -alienated. But Christ bought us, rebuilt us, and now presents us holy, blameless, and above reproach.

 

Now let’s look at our passage in more detail.

 

TRUTH: This verse introduces the following subsection, which constitutes a single, long sentence (vv. 21–23), accomplishing two functions. First, it provides an application of the Colossian hymn (vv. 15–20) for the situation of the Colossians. The most obvious link lies in the reference to reconciliation in v. 22. As the final section of the hymn points to God’s act of reconciliation through Christ, this section applies this reconciliation to one particular community. The second function for this subsection is to pave the way for Paul’s arguments in the rest of this letter. The main clause in this long sentence lies in v. 22a, and this verse describes the object of the act of reconciliation in v. 22. “You” (ὑμᾶς) is the object of the verb “he has reconciled.” (David W. Pao, Colossians and Philemon, pg. 106).

 

The first gospel principle to inform your understanding is….

 

I.                            SIN SEPARATES — Alienation (v. 21)

Explanation: “You were once alienated, enemies in your mind, because of your evil works…” Apallotrioo (alienated) means “estranged,” “cut off,” or “separated.” Before their salvation, the Colossians were completely alienated from God due to sin. Paul also employs the phrase echthros (hostile), which could also be translated “hateful.” John MacArthur noted, “Unbelievers are not only alienated from God by condition, but also by attitude. They hate him and resent His holy standards and commands because they are engaged in evil deeds” (John MacArthur, Colossians, pg. 60). 

 

Sin Separates Us From God. It creates distance and disconnection. The concept of sin as a separator between humanity and God is a foundational truth in Scripture. In Isaiah 59:2, it is stated, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” This verse highlights the relational and spiritual distance that sin creates between individuals and God. The apostle Paul further emphasizes this in Romans 3:23, stating that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Sin disrupts the harmonious relationship that humanity was intended to have with God, leading to alienation, brokenness, and spiritual separation. The theological depth of sin as a separator underscores the need for reconciliation and redemption through Christ, who bridges the gap and restores communion between God and humanity.

 

Sin Skews Our Thinking. We were ‘enemies in our minds’ -rebellion begins internally. The distortion of thinking and rebellion that sin brings is evident in the internal state of the human heart. In Ephesians 4:18, Paul describes the condition of those separated from God as being “darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.” This passage highlights the cognitive and spiritual effects of sin, resulting in ignorance, a hardened heart, and a distorted perception of truth. The depth of sin skewing our thinking reveals the pervasive nature of sin’s influence on the mind, will, and emotions, resulting in a state of spiritual blindness and rebellion against God’s truth and righteousness.

 

Sin Shows In Our Behavior. “Evil works” are the fruit of an estranged heart. The outward manifestation of sin in behavior and actions reflects the internal state of the heart that is estranged from God. In Matthew 15:19, Jesus teaches that “out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” Here, we see that the connection between sin and behavior reflects the internal state of the heart and results from behavior that stems from a sinful nature. The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Galatians 5:19-21, listing the “works of the flesh” that include sins such as idolatry, hatred, jealousy, fits of rage, and selfish ambition. Demonstrating sin in our behavior highlights the comprehensive impact of sin on the entirety of human existence, affecting thoughts, emotions, and actions, and thus highlighting the need for transformation and renewal through the power of the Holy Spirit and the redemptive work of Christ.

Illustration: A cracked phone screen gradually spreads until the whole image becomes distorted. Sin does the same—it distorts how we see God, ourselves, and life.

 

Biblical Principle: Sin always separates people from God relationally, mentally, and morally.

 

Application:

·      Identify places where sinful thoughts have influenced your attitudes.

·      Repent of habits that push you away from God rather than toward Him.

·      Recognize that moral drift always begins with mental drift.

 

The second gospel principle to inform your understanding is…

 

II. CHRIST RECONCILES — Atonement (v. 22)

Explanation: “He has now reconciled you… through the body of His flesh… to present you holy, blameless, above reproach…” “But now” (νυνὶ δέ) is a genuine Paulinism to express this moment of divine reversal (Rom. 3:21; 6:22; 7:6; 11:30; 1 Cor. 15:20; Phm. 11; see also Col. 3:8 and Eph. 2:13; Heb. 9:26). The theme of cosmic reconciliation is picked up from 1:20 (with the same verb; see on that verse) and personalized: “he (this same one ‘in whom all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell’) has reconciled you.” (James D. G. Dunn, The Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon: A Commentary on the Greek Text, pg. 107).

 

Christ Reconciles Us by His Death. Not our merit, but His sacrifice. The reconciliation achieved through Christ’s sacrificial death is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing the redemptive work of Christ on behalf of humanity. In Colossians 1:20-22, it is stated, “and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your behavior, but now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death et…” The depth of Christ’s reconciliation is clearly displayed in this verse.

 

Christ Restores Us to Holiness.  “Holy” — separated unto God. The concept of holiness as being set apart from God’s purposes is central to the Christian understanding of sanctification and spiritual transformation. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, believers are exhorted to be holy because God is holy, emphasizing the call to live a life set apart from sin and dedicated to God’s will. Through the sanctifying work of Christ, believers are empowered to live lives that reflect God’s character, righteousness, and purity, which in turn demonstrates their commitment to obedience, love, and devotion to God. This restoration to holiness signifies a renewed identity, purpose, and calling that aligns with God’s kingdom values.

 

Christ Removes Every Accusation. “Blameless, above reproach” — the courtroom of heaven is silent toward the redeemed. The assurance of being blameless and above reproach in Christ is a foundational truth in Christian soteriology, highlighting the positional righteousness and justification that believers receive through faith in Christ. In Romans 8:33-34, it is affirmed that "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."

 

Christ's work on the cross removes every accusation against believers, securing their standing as blameless and righteous in God's sight. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection, believers are declared justified, forgiven, and reconciled to God, with no condemnation or accusation that can separate them from God's love. The courtroom of heaven is silent toward the redeemed, as Christ's redemptive work ensures their eternal security, acceptance, and freedom from guilt and shame.

 

Illustration: Imagine a man with a lifelong criminal record suddenly pardoned. Not only forgiven but declared innocent and restored with a clean slate. Christ does far more: He changes our status and our standing. He forgives our debt and adopts us into His family.

 

Biblical Principle: Only Christ’s sacrificial death can reconcile sinners to God and restore them to holiness.

 

Application:

·      Live in the confidence that Christ has made you acceptable before God.

·      Reject the lies of guilt and shame that Christ has already removed.

·      Worship from gratitude, not guilt.

 

The third gospel principle to inform your understanding is…

 

III.                     BELIEVERS PERSEVERE — Abiding (v. 23)

Explanation: “If you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, not moved from the hope of the gospel…” First is the future aspect of the text. Second, the conditional clause that follows in v. 23 suggests an interval between the time of their reconciliation and their presentation to God. In fact, Paul considered three time perspectives here. In the past, they were reconciled. In the future, Paul expected purity. In the present, they were to continue until the day of the Lord.

 

This is a first-class conditional sentence in Greek. Some have suggested that the construction implies an element of doubt. However, there is no doubt about the outcome of the condition. Paul fully expected them to continue in the faith. Two factors support Paul’s optimism in this context, one grammatical and the other theological. The first-class condition presents a logical relationship which should best be translated as “assuming that you continue…” The theological matter concerns the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. Paul taught that those who are genuinely in the faith will persevere to the end.  (Richard R. Melick, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, vol. 32, pg. 233.)

 

Perseverance Is the Evidence of Faith. “Continue in the faith” — genuine salvation keeps going. The concept of perseverance as evidence of genuine faith is a recurring theme in the New Testament, emphasizing the ongoing commitment and endurance of believers in their walk with Christ. The exhortation Paul provides underscores the theological depth of perseverance as a fruit of authentic faith, demonstrating the transformative power of salvation that produces lasting endurance and steadfastness in the face of trials and challenges. The perseverance of believers serves as a visible testimony of their genuine salvation, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to Christ and a reliance on His grace to sustain them in their spiritual journey.

 

Stability Comes From a Solid Foundation. “Grounded and steadfast” — rooted faith withstands storms. The metaphor of being grounded and steadfast in the faith emphasizes the importance of having a solid foundation in Christ, which enables believers to withstand life's storms and remain firm in their convictions. In Ephesians 3:17, Paul prays that believers may be “rooted and grounded in love,” emphasizing that stability comes from being firmly established in the love of Christ. This rooted faith provides a strong and unshakable foundation that anchors believers in the truth of the gospel, enabling them to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and unwavering faith. The firm belief of a believer, rooted in love, resists doubt and deception and remains steadfast in their commitment to following Christ.

 

Hope Anchors Us Against Drift. “Not moved away” — the gospel is our anchor in trials and temptations. The anchoring power of hope in the gospel serves as a safeguard against spiritual drift and uncertainty, providing believers with a firm foundation and secure mooring amid trials and temptations. In Hebrews 6:19, hope is described as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure, that reaches into the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. Hope anchored in the gospel serves as a source of strength, comfort, and stability, enabling believers to weather life's storms with confidence and trust in God’s faithfulness. As believers remain rooted in the hope of the gospel, they are empowered to stand firm, resist drifting away from their faith, and remain steadfast in their walk with Christ.

 

Illustration: A deep-rooted tree withstands storms that uproot shallow ones. The depth of the roots determines the strength of the stand.

 

Biblical Principle: True believers demonstrate the reality of their salvation by continuing in the faith.

 

Application:

·      Strengthen your spiritual roots with scripture, prayer, and community.

·      Identify what threatens to “move” you away from gospel hope.

·      Make perseverance a daily commitment, not an occasional effort.

 

TAKE AWAY — Three Principles That Transform Life

 

1. Sin Separates — recognize and reject what distances you from God.

2. Christ Reconciles — rest in the complete work of Jesus.

3. Believers Persevere — continue grounded in gospel hope.

 

This is Paul’s message: The gospel not only changes your past — it changes your present and secures your future.