Verse: Colossians 1:20
Theme: Peace and Reconciliation Through the Cross of Christ
And having made peace through the blood of his cross by him to reconcile all things unto himself by him I say whether they be things in earth or things in heaven
— Colossians 1:20, King James Version (KJV)
Through the Son then God decided to bring the whole universe back to himself God made peace through his Son’s blood on the cross and so brought back to himself all things both on earth and in heaven
— Colossians 1:20, Good News Translation (GNT)
And through him to reconcile all things to himself whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross
— Colossians 1:20, New International Version (NIV)
And through Him to reconcile everything to Himself whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through His blood shed on the cross
— Colossians 1:20, Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
And through him God reconciled everything to himself He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross
— Colossians 1:20, New Living Translation (NLT)
Meaning of Colossians 1:20
Colossians 1:20 speaks to the central purpose and power of Christ’s crucifixion. This verse declares that through the shedding of His blood on the cross, Jesus brought peace between God and creation. The use of the word “reconcile” implies that something was once whole, became broken, and is now being restored. Paul wants readers to understand that sin fractured not only humanity’s relationship with God but also disrupted harmony in all of creation.
The scope of this reconciliation is staggering. It is not limited to individuals or the church. It includes everything on earth and in heaven. The peace Christ made was not political or social, but spiritual and eternal. It is a peace that silences the curse of sin, cancels enmity, and reestablishes divine order.
The phrase “through the blood of his cross” underscores the cost of this peace. It was not cheaply attained. It came through suffering, pain, and sacrifice. Jesus did not negotiate peace; He paid for it. And by doing so, He provided a pathway back to God for all things alienated by sin.
Popular Words of Wisdom from Colossians 1:20
The cross is the lightning rod of grace that short-circuits God’s wrath to Christ so that only the light of His love remains for believers.
— John Piper, Pastor and Founder of Desiring God
The blood of Christ did not simply clean a stained soul; it rebuilt the bridge between heaven and earth that sin had destroyed.
— A.W. Tozer, Theologian and Author of “The Pursuit of God”
Reconciliation with God is not a handshake but a healing. And that healing required blood.
— Jackie Hill Perry, Bible Teacher and Spoken Word Artist
The peace of God is not the absence of conflict but the presence of Christ’s blood between justice and judgment.
— Tim Keller, Pastor and Founder of Redeemer Presbyterian Church
All things were created through Him and all things will be reconciled through Him. The cross is not just central to salvation. It is central to the universe.
— N.T. Wright, Professor of New Testament and Pauline Theology
Explaining the Context of Colossians 1:20
The book of Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul to the believers in Colossae, a city facing confusion due to competing philosophies and false teachings. Paul’s primary goal was to exalt the supremacy of Christ and remind the church that Jesus is fully God, fully sufficient, and the head of all things.
In chapter 1, Paul builds a poetic and theological description of Jesus, known by many scholars as the “Christ Hymn.” This section (verses 15 to 20) reveals Jesus as the visible image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, and the one through whom everything was made.
Colossians 1:20 is the climax of that hymn. After establishing Christ’s lordship in creation, Paul declares that Jesus is also the center of reconciliation. He is not only the Creator but also the Reconciler. Through the cross, Jesus has restored what sin fractured. The verse assures the reader that no part of the universe lies beyond the reach of Christ’s peace.
Explaining the Key Parts of Colossians 1:20
“And having made peace through the blood of his cross”
The word “peace” here refers to the restoration of harmony between God and creation. But it came at a steep price. The cross was a Roman instrument of torture and death, yet God used it to accomplish the world’s greatest peace treaty. Christ’s blood was not symbolic—it was literal and redemptive.
“By him to reconcile all things unto himself”
To reconcile means to bring back into agreement. Christ is the one who initiates and completes this act. He is not just the channel of peace but its author. The reconciliation spoken of here is all-encompassing. It is not limited to individuals or the church but includes “all things.”
“Whether they be things in earth or things in heaven”
This phrase shows the totality of Christ’s reconciling work. On Earth, this includes humanity, nature, governments, and systems. In heaven, it likely refers to the unseen spiritual realm and angelic orders. Sin corrupted more than hearts; it corrupted harmony. Christ came to restore it all.
Lessons to Learn from Colossians 1:20
1. Peace With God Comes Only Through the Cross
No effort or morality can bridge the gap between humanity and God. True peace can only be achieved by trusting in the blood that Jesus shed. The cross is not optional. It is the foundation.
2. Christ’s Reconciliation Extends to Everything
God is not just interested in saving souls but in redeeming creation. Every aspect of life—physical, spiritual, personal, global—falls under the scope of Christ’s reconciling work.
3. The Blood of Jesus Is Enough
There is nothing we can add to what Jesus has done. His blood was sufficient for every sin, every division, and every broken system. We must trust in its power rather than our performance.
4. God Desires Restoration, Not Destruction
Even though the world is broken, God’s plan is not to wipe it out but to reconcile it through Christ. This gives hope for families, communities, and even nations.
5. We Are Called to Be Messengers of That Peace
If Jesus made peace through the cross, then believers are called to be carriers of that peace. In a world torn by division, we become agents of reconciliation, offering the same grace we have received.
Related Bible Verses
Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ
— Romans 5:1, King James Version (KJV)
For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell And having made peace through the blood of his cross
— Colossians 1:19-20, King James Version (KJV)
And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross having slain the enmity thereby
— Ephesians 2:16, King James Version (KJV)
And all things are of God who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation
— 2 Corinthians 5:18, King James Version (KJV)
Having made known unto us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself That in the dispensation of the fulness 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
— Ephesians 1:9-10, King James Version (KJV)
How This Verse Points to Christ
Colossians 1:20 is entirely centered on Christ. He is the reconciler, the peacemaker, the sacrifice, and the goal. This verse exalts Jesus not only as the solution to our spiritual alienation but as the One through whom all harmony is restored.
In the Old Testament, sacrifices had to be repeated continually. Yet Jesus, through one offering—His blood on the cross—completed the work of reconciliation. He made peace permanent and accessible to all who believe.
This verse affirms that Jesus is not a fragment of God’s plan. He is the full picture. Through His cross, He has undone the curse of sin and invited the universe into a restored relationship with God.
Closing Reflection
Colossians 1:20 is a verse of cosmic hope and deep personal comfort. It tells us that peace is not a fragile dream but a finished reality secured by Jesus. The cross was not just a tragic moment. It was the decisive act of reconciliation for heaven and earth.
In a world desperate for peace—within families, among nations, inside our own hearts—Colossians 1:20 gives us an anchor. Christ has made peace. The work is finished. And now we are invited to live in that peace, share it, and proclaim it.
Whatever is broken in your life today, remember that Jesus died not just to forgive but to restore. His blood was not shed in vain. It is your proof that no part of your story is beyond redemption.
Say This Prayer
Lord Jesus
Thank You for reconciling me through Your blood. I confess that I often forget the power of the cross and seek peace through my own efforts. But today I turn to You. You are my peace.
Thank You for making a way for me to be restored to the Father. Thank You for breaking the curse and healing the distance. Let Your peace rule in my heart and help me extend that peace to others.
Teach me to live as a witness of Your reconciliation. Let me never take for granted the blood You shed to bring heaven and earth together again.
In Your name I pray
Amen.
Evang. Anabelle Thompson is the founder of Believers Refuge, a Scripture-based resource that helps Christians to find biblical guidance for life’s challenges.
With over 15 years of ministry experience and a decade of dedicated Bible study, she creates content that connects believers with relevant Scripture for their daily struggles.
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Evang. Thompson brings 12 years of active ministry and evangelism experience, along with over 10 years of systematic Bible study and theological research.
As a former small group leader and Sunday school teacher, she has published over 200 biblical resources and devotional studies.
She specializes in applying Scripture to everyday life challenges and regularly studies the original Hebrew and Greek texts for a deeper biblical understanding.