“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him and to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:19-20 NIV
We looked at verse 19 in the last post, so today let’s look at verse 20 which begins with “…and to reconcile….” A similar verse in Ephesians 1:10 is similar and reads,
“That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.” KJV
I have quoted the KJV simply because in this verse it is very close to what the Greek text actually says. Another passage that is similar in intent is the discussion of the oneness of all races in Ephesians 2:14-22. Jesus is the peace of the heart, and when that is in place we find deep “oneness” in our hearts with others. The word “unity” is another word in Greek and is not in either of these passages. For us, in English, that word contains meanings not found here. So I have not used it.
To be one is to dwell in peace and to function out of a “knowing” in Spirit that being one in Jesus means being one with others. In Christ, who is our peace, is contained all the purposes of our Father; in Christ is contained all the empowerment of our Father; in Christ is contained all needed knowledge and empowerment to be as He is. (1 John 4:17)
There is only one other place that this oneness exists and that is the oneness of the covenant of marriage. (Another post sometime – maybe). So it is not a “feeling” of being like others or belonging with others but instead, a “knowing” in Spirit that because Jesus is in me, we are one with the Father and with every other believer. This comes from faith and believing the Word. It is a Spirit-truth that we can learn to “feel” as we trust our Lord more and more in working with other people.
This same understanding is in John 17:20-26. It is not about us making it so, it is about us receiving its truth as we embrace all He is in us and for us. Our primary fellowship is the Lord through Spirit and as we choose that as our source of strength, we discover real “oneness” and deep relationship that then can embrace others.
Thank You, Lord, for all you are in each of us. We choose this oneness and allow an openness in our being to respond in You and to You.
Thank you for reading – be blessed today in Him!
Mannaword 