(Illus: "Whatever you have done, whatever you have become, it doesn't matter. Please come home!")

Introduction:   One of the greatest works of the cross is that it brings us back home. We who were once estranged from God by sin now have been given the royal invitation to return to home.  It matters not who we are, what we have done, or what we have become. At the cross, Jesus says, 'It doesn't matter. Please come home!' The word that the Bible uses to describe this act is the word 'Reconciliation.' Reconciliation means, to change or to repair. When a broken relationship between two parties is repaired, or healed, it has been reconciled. They have been brought back together again. That is the result of the finished work of the cross. It changes a man, and it brings that man back together with God. The fellowship that was once destroyed by sin is now healed, and repaired; thus, reconciliation has taken place. Two aspects of this reconciliation are described in this verse.

I.          A MIGHTY CONQUEST DEMONSTRATED (V.20a)

The word "peace" literally means, "to bind together."  It is a medical term that was used to speak of broken bones that were set back in place, and mended. The word describes the mighty conquest that was demonstrated at the cross. Man was alienated from God, separated from God by sin. But, at the cross, Jesus mended that broken relationship, and set it back in place.  How did He do that?

      A.        The Blood Of The Cross Purchased Our Redemption.

The blood of Jesus was the means by which God brought us back unto Himself. Blood had to be shed in a prescribed way, and in a definite place. Someone has well said, "The Cross is the proof that there is no length to which the love of God will refuse to go in order to win men's hearts!" The blood of the cross not only purchased our redemption, but:

B.        The Blood Of The Cross Provided Our Reconciliation.

It not only gave us forgiveness from God, but fellowship with God.  It bridged the gap between a Holy God and a sinful man (Rom. 5: 6-10).

·         We must never forget that it was God that came to reconcile man.

It was God who took the initiative. The Bible never speaks of God being reconciled to man; but man being reconciled to God. Again, remember, that Paul was writing to a church that was embedded in the false Gnostic teaching of the day. The Gnostics taught, held, and believed that salvation was acquired through knowledge. Thus, once one had gained the proper amount of knowledge, they could find their way to God.

·         It is at this point that Christianity is set apart from all of the religions of the world. 

In the world religions the picture is that of man seeking God, man reaching to God, and man attempting to gain the acceptance of God. However, Christianity is God seeking man, God reaching to man, and God giving man acceptance. It comes, not because we deserve it, demand it, or desire it; but, because of God’s great grace and love. Therefore, the arguments of false doctrine are put to rest by reminding these believers that, at the cross, it was God who came to us through the person of His Son. And, when we had no means of getting to Him, He bridged the gap and healed the breach, and came to us. What a mighty conquest that the cross demonstrated!

II.        A MIGHTY CONTROL DISPLAYED (V.20b)

At the cross Jesus not only demonstrated a mighty conquest, but He displayed a mighty control. 

            A.        This World Was Created By Him.

Paul is not saying that He perfected everything, but rather, He unified everything in Himself. This is God's world, and now it is a redeemed world, for in some amazing way God, in Christ, was reconciling the whole universe unto Himself. I will be honest with you there are many things about this world that I do not like. I am not speaking of the wonder, splendor, and beauty of creation and nature; but, I am speaking of the system, the scheme, and the sin of this world.  Those things have no appeal to me whatsoever, and if I could change them, believe me, I would.

            B.        This World Is Controlled By Him.

Oh blessed thought to think that the One who created this world is the One who controls this world. He is the One who has reconciled this world unto Himself. And, one day, Jesus will correct everything that is wrong with this world. He will set it right once and for all.

Conclusion:     That is what makes the reconciling work of the cross so powerful.  We, who were once aliens and enemies of God, are now reconciled to God by the death of His son. At the cross, Jesus took the hand of the Father, and then He reached out to us.