This post is
dependent on the foundation laid in previous posts. Though we will only look at one verse, it is
packed with important truth. The context
is reconciliation to God through the provision of His Son. That provision is available to us through faith
that is evidenced through a continued commitment to obey God.
Colossians 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the
gospel, which ye have heard, and
which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am
made a minister;
“If ye
continue…” – This is a continuation of the thought in the previous verses; you
have been reconciled and will be presented righteous “if….” This type of verse causes some to think that
they can lose their salvation. No
scripture should be isolated from the context of the whole of scripture regarding
doctrine. This verse is an admonition
from Paul to examine oneself regarding the sincerity of your profession of
faith. True faith will be evidenced by
the fruits of the Spirit in the life of the believer (as discussed
earlier). We all know that believers
can and probably will experience times of disobedience; scripture is full of
examples—beginning with Eve and continuing with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David,
Jonah, Peter, etc. The important truth
is that true men/women of faith always come to a point of repentance. The Apostle John states the truth clearly.
1John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had
been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not
all of us.
Continuance
in the faith is evidence of a sincere profession of faith. People can be amazing actors and deceivers
for a variety of motivations—all self-serving.
Again, James makes it clear that “faith without works is dead” (James
2:26). The Apostle John amens that truth.
1John 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his
commandments.
God never
contradicts Himself. Those who have put
their faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord have received the Holy Spirit as a seal
(stamp for security or preservation) and as the earnest (security deposit) of
their inheritance to come.
Ephesians 1:13-14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth,
the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of
promise, Which is the earnest of our
inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the
praise of his glory.
Salvation is
the work of God in us, and He always finishes what He starts. He never fails.
Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a
good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Yes, this is
a sensitive area to me. I think the
enemy has been so successful in deceiving people to connect their work to their
salvation—to think that God needs their help—to think that His word can’t be
trusted and His provision isn’t sufficient.
“grounded and
settled” – Grounded is reference to a
foundation, and settled is a
reference to being immovable. A believer
is a person who has chosen to live his/her life on the foundation of the Word
of God. He has made a choice to follow
God in faith and obedience despite the circumstances and the attack of the
enemy. Again, he/she may stumble or fall
along the way; but he/she will always seek God in repentance; and He will
always forgive and restore by picking them up and giving them a new start.
1John 1:7-9 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have
fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us
from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the
truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive
us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
“and be not
moved away…” – This is the same truth that John stated as referenced above in
1John 2:19. It gives emphasis to the
word settled.
“the hope of
the gospel” – This is a reference to the confident expectation the believer has
of eternity in the presence of the Savior.
“which ye
have heard…” – Paul is addressing those whom he knew had been clearly and
correctly taught the gospel. God is
clear in scripture, however, that He has revealed Himself through the creation
and men are without excuse. The gospel
is the good news of God’s love. Man has
no reasonable basis for doubting His written word or the provision of His
Son. The creation declares Him as
Almighty God of righteousness and truth; One to be feared and believed.
Psalm 19:1-4 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth
his handywork. Day unto day uttereth
speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
There is no speech nor language, where
their voice is not heard. Their line is
gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.
Romans 1:19-20 Because that which may be
known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the
creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are
made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Paul proudly
declares himself to be a minister (servant, teacher) of that gospel.
(to be continued...)
(to be continued...)
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