Anchor Scripture: Colossians 1:20; Leviticus 25

So far, we have considered how God’s enduring mercy provides, in this interpretation, for a phased treatment of sin through the Jubilee law, ultimately fulfilling His purpose to reconcile all things to Himself (Col. 1:20). Other schools of thought disagree, holding that Scripture teaches eternal condemnation and that those who fail to receive salvation during the present age of grace face a final judgment. Going forward, we will examine more closely God’s purpose in humanity’s fall and reconciliation.

The theme of reconciliation is also reflected in Isaiah 59:16. Because all creation—visible and invisible—was made by and for God (Col. 1:16), His purpose is revealed through what He has made (Rom. 1:20; John 1:3). In this view, if any part of creation fails to fulfill its intended purpose, God, for whom nothing is impossible, acts to restore it. Since everything exists for His purpose, He seeks the redemption of whatever has gone astray. This brings us back to Isaiah 59:16 and to the provision for redemption found in Leviticus 25:26–27.

Humanity likewise proceeds from God and was created in His image. Yet the exercise of self-will produced a desire for independence and control, contributing to mankind’s disobedience and fall. God’s response was the work of reconciliation, through which humanity would learn its dependence on Him: “without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).

The fall, therefore, did not take God by surprise. Under His permissive will (Lam. 3:37), it was allowed, and the process of reconciliation was set in motion to reveal humanity’s inability to govern itself apart from God. Through both the fall and restoration, mankind would learn that true existence and unity depend upon the One true God from whom all life proceeds.

The prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32) illustrates this pattern. After attempting to live independently, the son eventually recognizes his limitations and returns to his father. Likewise, reconciliation occurs when humanity turns back to God as its source of life.

Scripture also presents recurring occasions of divine appraisal and accountability. Job 1:6 depicts God’s children appearing before Him, while Isaiah 1:18 records His invitation: “come now, and let us reason together.” Such passages emphasize that life cannot be sustained independently of God, for “in him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28). Sin separates humanity from God (Isa. 59:2), producing what is described here as death—the first phase of that separation.

Revelation 20 describes a future universal judgment in which creation is called to account. In this understanding, both fallen angels and humanity will receive judgment according to their works. The present condition of death may therefore be compared to a school in which humanity confronts the consequences of disobedience and is called to embrace God’s righteousness. Judgment becomes the examination of that process, with Christ rewarding each person according to their works (Rev. 22:12). Those found wanting enter the lake of fire, marking the transition from the first phase of sin’s consequences to the second death (Rev. 20:14).