| In these verses, Paul turns from the person of Christ to the work of Christ, in particular his work of reconciliation. What does that mean? To reconcile simply means to bring together. Christ's death has made possible the bringing together of a holy God and sinful man. We have been returned to the position of fellowship which was destroyed when Adam our first father sinned. Some people have tried to make the words in verse 20 'to reconcile all things to himself' to mean that everyone, every person who has ever I lived will be saved some day. We shouldn't build a teaching on only one verse. We must compare it with other verses on the same subject. Many other places in the Bible tell us that without faith no-one will ever be saved. The death of Christ means that the opportunity of salvation is available to all but God will never force it on to anyone against that person's will. Salvation only extends to those who fulfill the conditions God has laid down. Man must be as willing to be reconciled as God is willing to reconcile him. In verse 22 is the personal application which Paul never misses. God's plan for us is that we might be presented as holy and blameless in his presence. It is our responsibility to continue in a relationship of faith with Christ, keeping a firm belief in and a strong stand for the gospel. Many are troubled by that word 'if' in verse 23. It refers to the reality of our first acceptance of Christ. That reality, the fact that we really meant what we said, is proved when we continue daily looking to Christ as our Savior. It is not by our hanging on to him, but by his holding us that our salvation is guaranteed. Remember, faith in Christ is a daily experience. Our faith is fed by the Word of God and by our prayer life. Are Bible reading and praying so important to us that we plan never to miss out on them even for one day? | 
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