Colossians 2:6-23
Q.1. Where does salvation begin and end? How extensive was the victory purchased by Christ on the cross? – (Col.2:6-15)
Paul continued with the theme of growing like a plant as a believer. He challenged the Colossians – as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him – (Col.2:6 c.f. Col.2:7). He urged them to avoid deceptive philosophies and empty traditions of men. Instead, they were to stay Christ-centred, because – 9 in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, 10 and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority (Col.2:9-10). He used the symbolism of circumcision and baptism to highlight: (i) the removal of the domination of the flesh (Col.2:11). (ii) Our identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (Col.2:12). Paul reminded us that when – He made us alive together with Him, He forgave us all our transgressions (Col.2:13). Consequently, we are free to live a life that pleases God. The power exerted on our behalf is overwhelming – having cancelled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Himself (Col.2:14-15). Because of our standing in Christ, the accuser of the brethren is disarmed (Col.2:15 c.f. Rev.12:10). We are totally forgiven, and miraculously translated into the family of God. We will always belong to Him, and our standing with our holy God is secure, in spite of our frequent failures.
Q.2. What religious experiences and rules was Paul warning the Colossians to avoid? Can religion liberate us? – (Col.2:8, 16-23)
Paul warned that there are many enemies of the liberty procured by Christ on the cross – See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. (Col.2:8 c.f. Col.2:9-15). Paul highlighted the total bankruptcy of either experiences, ascetic restrictions, or law-keeping (Col.2:20). These commandments and teachings of men demean the sufficiency of Christ, for the salvation of sinners (Col.2:22). They can seem appealing since they give – … the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body but are of no value against fleshly indulgence (Col.2:23). Why so? They are all things that men impose. However, only a growing and loving relationship with God, will appeal to our fallen hearts to change. Even then, it is a life-long battle that will not be won until we finally stand before Christ – complete and perfect. Our completeness is in Him, and not in anything else (c.f. Col.2:9-10).