and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
20. And by him to reconcile all things to himself. This, also, is a magnificent commendation of Christ, that we cannot be joined to God otherwise than through him. In the first place, let us consider that our happiness consists in our cleaving to God, and that, on the other hand, there is nothing more miserable than to be alienated from him.
We taste redemption's benefits in our hearts first, then follow those streams back to their source in Christ's work. The Father works this grace in us by His Spirit, and if we feel the comfort of it, He must have all the glory for it.
AI summary
Commenting on Colossians 1:12-29
And by him to reconcile all things to himself,.... This depends upon the preceding verse, and is to be connected with that phrase in it, it pleased the Father, Col 1:19; and the sense is, that it was the good will and pleasure of God from all eternity, as to lay up all fulness in Christ for his chosen people, so to reconcile them to...