Lord’s Library editors created this introductory guide to the Gospel in Colossians to showcase how the Scriptures reveal salvation by grace through faith.
Authored by the Apostle Paul, the Epistle to the Colossians offers an exploration of the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ in all things. Addressing the church in Colossae, Paul counters false teachings and responds with the completeness found in Christ alone. The letter articulates the Gospel message, confirming 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.
Paul vividly describes Christ in Colossians 1:15-16: “Who is 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, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” Here we can see clearly Christ’s divine nature and His role as the creator of all things, establishing Him as the ultimate authority and the foundation of the Gospel.
Colossians also emphasizes the fullness of salvation in Christ. This completeness in Christ, which we will learn more about below, means that believers lack nothing and need not adhere to religious works to attain eternal life. The Gospel offers a complete and sufficient salvation, fully accomplished through Christ’s death and resurrection.
In this guide to the Gospel in Colossians, we showcase Scriptures (using the King James Version) that best help the Christian zoom in on the Good News using this specific book as a lens. Each verse is accompanied by concise commentary to provide the takeaway in layman’s terms. Our goal in this and all the other Gospel in the New Testament Series articles is to show how Colossians presents the doctrine that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ.
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. 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.”
Paul explains that it pleased God for all His fullness to dwell in Christ and, through Him, to reconcile all things to Himself by making peace through the blood of the cross. Although believers were once alienated and hostile in mind due to their evil actions, they are now reconciled to God through Christ’s death, so they can be presented as holy and blameless before Him.
- 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.”
Paul reveals that God has made known the mystery of Christ, which is “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” These Scriptures show the truth that Christ dwells within believers, providing the hope of eternal glory, and the goal of Christian teaching is to help believers grow into full spiritual maturity 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.”
Paul explains here that although believers were once dead in their sins, God made them alive with Christ by forgiving all their trespasses. These verses show the complete forgiveness believers receive through Christ’s death, as God removes the burden of sin and wipes away all accusations against them, amen.
- 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.”
Here we see Paul urge believers to seek things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. We are commanded to set our minds on heavenly things, not on earthly things.
These key verses from Colossians highlight the core message of the Gospel, showcasing redemption only through the blood of Christ, reconciliation with God, and the fullness of Christ.
We can see this further when Paul speaks in Colossians 2:12: “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.” 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.
See also Colossians 3:10: “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:”
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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