The Lord Is Near 2023 calendar

In Him all the fullness of the Godhead was pleased to dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Itself, having made peace by the blood of His cross—by Him, whether the things on the earth or the things in the heavens. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in mind by wicked works, yet now has It reconciled. Colossians 1:19–21 JND

Creator and Redeemer (2)

When the Creator stepped into His own creation to become the Redeemer, God became Man. Paul, in presenting Christ’s greatness, emphasized that in Him the Fullness of the Godhead was pleased to dwell. Who can fathom this! Christ is now in the glory, and the Fullness of the Godhead dwells presently in Christ Jesus in heaven (Col. 2:9).

Through Him and the work He accomplished, God has reconciled all things to Himself. Even though, in time, this is not yet fulfilled, the work needed for this reconciliation has been completed through the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (Jn. 1:29). The One who is the Image of the Invisible God, the Firstborn and Creator, the Head of the Church, is the One in whom God dwells and through whom all things are reconciled.

What a wonderful privilege to be a part of those who have been brought to God, even though we once were far away, alienated, enemies in our thinking and our evil works. Already now, we enjoy peace because of the work of the cross, through His shed blood. Soon, in the world to come, things on earth and in heaven too will be brought into full harmony with God, but the things under the earth (cf. Phil. 2:10) are not mentioned in Colossians 1:20. For the demonic powers will indeed bow the knee, but will not be reconciled.

Alfred E. Bouter

In Thee most perfectly expressed,

The Father’s self doth shine;

Fullness of Godhead, too; the Blest,

Eternally divine.

J. Conder