As we get ready for Easter, we would do well to consider exactly what Christ has done for us and how this affects us. Theologians call this the work of Christ.

What exactly did Christ do for us?

In Colossians 1:15-23, Paul talked about the work which Christ did on our behalf and how this has made a difference in all of us. (This passage is certainly not exhaustive of all Christ did, but it does show us a good representation of the work of Christ).

First, by means of the cross, God reconciled everything to Himself. Reconciliation, as we use the word, describes a process by which those parties that can’t get along, learn to get along.

Through our ancestors Adam and Eve, we have lived at enmity and hostility toward God. As a result of our warfare with God, we also live in hostility toward the people around us.

Christ “made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of the cross” (Colossians 1:20). We declared war by our sinful actions, but God declared peace by giving His Son for us. This peace with God is not our work; it is only by the work of Christ.

Second, we have been brought near to God and are called God’s friends. Both Jew and Gentile were far off from God. Through the cross God has brought us near.

What separated us from God? Our own evil thoughts and actions.

Third, God’s work brings us into the presence of God. He has changed our nature so that while we are not perfect we are also not the person we used to be.

One of my favorite sayings came from a young girl who said: “I’m not all that I ought to be, but thank God, I’m not all I used to be.”

This is Christ’s work. This is what makes the Friday of the crucifixion “Good.”

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