Episode 2679 - Lesson 9 - Sabbath Feb. 21 - Reconciliation and Hope

Sabbath AfternoonRead for This Week's Study: Col. 1:20-29, Eph. 5:27, Eph. 3:17, Rom. 8:18, Eph. 1:7-10, Eph. 3:3-6, Prov. 14:12Memory Text: "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" (2 Corinthians 5:21).Paul continues the theme of reconciliation, which was so vividly highlighted in Colossians 1:20 (see Lesson 8, Thursday). There he described its cosmic scope, while what follows it becomes personal and individual. Through His death on the cross, Jesus has accomplished reconciliation for everyone and everything, especially human beings, who were alienated from the life of God through sin, but now can be reconciled to Him through faith.The process of individual reconciliation is unpacked in this week's passage. As with the cosmic sphere, it happens through the death of Christ. On the individual level, the cross, far from being a passive symbol, becomes an active reality, with God's love transforming people as they hear the gospel and receive Christ Himself, the hope of glory.Paul also talks about "the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations" (Col. 1:26, NKJV). What is this mystery, and what all does it envision--for the individual and for the universe? How does this "mystery" relate to the gospel that Paul has so passionately proclaimed?* Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, February 28.