Lord’s Library editors created this introductory guide to the Gospel in Colossians to showcase how the Scriptures reveal salvation by grace through faith in Colossians.
The Epistle to the Colossians, written by the Apostle Paul, is a profound exploration of the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ in all things. Addressing the church in Colossae, Paul counters false teachings and emphasizes the completeness found in Christ alone. The letter beautifully articulates the Gospel message, underscoring that salvation is by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, who is preeminent over all creation and the head of the Church.
A central theme in Colossians is the preeminence of Christ. Paul vividly describes Christ as “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible” (Colossians 1:15-16). This passage highlights Christ’s divine nature and His role as the creator and sustainer of all things, establishing Him as the ultimate authority and the foundation of the Gospel.
Colossians also emphasizes the fullness of salvation in Christ. Paul assures the Colossians that they are “complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power” (Colossians 2:10). This completeness in Christ means that believers lack nothing spiritually and do not need to adhere to additional religious practices or human traditions to attain spiritual fullness. The Gospel offers a complete and sufficient salvation, fully accomplished through Christ’s death and resurrection.
The Gospel in Colossians
The Gospel in Colossians Showcased in Scripture
- Colossians 1:13-14: “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”
Colossians 1:13-14 speaks of God’s redemptive work through Christ. It states that God has delivered believers from the domain of darkness and transferred them into the kingdom of His beloved Son. In Christ, believers have redemption through His blood, which brings the forgiveness of sins.
- Colossians 1:19-22: “For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.”
Colossians 1:19-22 emphasizes the centrality of Christ in God’s plan of reconciliation. It explains that God was pleased to have all fullness dwell in Christ, who is the head of all things. Through Christ, God reconciled all things to Himself by making peace through His blood shed on the cross. This reconciliation extends to believers, who were once alienated and hostile in mind due to their evil deeds. Now, through Christ’s physical body, they are presented as holy, blameless, and above reproach before God.
- Colossians 1:27-28: “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”
Colossians 1:27-28 speaks of the mystery of the Gospel revealed to the saints, which is Christ in them, the hope of glory. Paul emphasizes that he and his fellow workers proclaim Christ, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, to present everyone mature in Christ.
- Colossians 2:9-10: “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.”
Colossians 2:9-10 emphasizes the fullness of the divine nature dwelling in Christ. It states that in Christ all the fullness of the Godhead bodily dwells, and that believers are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
- Colossians 2:13-14: “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.”
Colossians 2:13-14 describes the spiritual transformation believers undergo through Christ. It states that although they were once dead in their sins and uncircumcised flesh, God made them alive together with Christ, forgiving all their trespasses. This was achieved by canceling the record of their debt, which was against them, and nailing it to the cross.
- Colossians 3:1-4: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”
Colossians 3:1-4 urges believers to seek things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. They are to set their minds on heavenly things, not on earthly things. This is because they have died to their old selves, and their real life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is their life, appears, they will also appear with Him in glory.
These verses from Colossians highlight the core message of the Gospel, focusing on redemption through the blood of Christ, reconciliation with God, the fullness of Christ, and the transformation and completeness believers have in Him. They emphasize salvation by grace through faith and the finished work of Christ on the cross.
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The letter further explores the transformative power of the Gospel in the lives of believers. Paul speaks of being “buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead” (Colossians 2:12). This imagery of burial and resurrection signifies the believer’s union with Christ in His death and resurrection, symbolizing the death of the old self and the emergence of a new life in Christ.
Additionally, Colossians calls believers to live out their new identity in Christ. Paul exhorts the Colossians to “seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1) and to “put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” (Colossians 3:10). These exhortations highlight the ethical and moral transformation that accompanies salvation, urging believers to live in a manner worthy of the Gospel.
As we explore these key passages, it becomes evident that Colossians presents a rich and theologically profound vision of the Gospel. The epistle emphasizes the supremacy of Christ, the completeness of salvation in Him, and the transformative power of the Gospel in believers’ lives. Through its deep Christological insights and practical exhortations, Colossians offers a compelling portrait of the Gospel’s centrality and sufficiency in all aspects of life, calling believers to a deeper understanding and commitment to the Lordship of Christ.
Lord's Library is a Christian resource hub. Our editors use a variety of internet research methods like search engines, audio and video, AI, consultations with ministry leaders in the field, and more. Lord's Library should never be a substitute for reading your Bible daily as the Scriptures are to be our final authority on all matters. Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
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