Contrasts in Colossians
by David Gibson
Reading through Paul’s letter to the Colossians, I was struck by its depth and richness. It includes soul-stretching truths that soar to the heavens as well as practical instructions about everyday living.
The following passages emphasize the tremendous change we experience when we leave our old life of sin behind and experience the marvelous blessings that are in Christ and only in Him. What a Savior!
Note these four stark contrasts:
Darkness/Light
“... giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:12-14 NASB).
Alienated/Reconciled
“And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach” (Colossians 1:21-22 NASB).
Through Christ, the Father has made reconciliation possible, “making peace by the blood of his cross” (Colossians 1:20).
Dead/Alive
“... buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with him, having forgiven you all your trespasses ...” (Colossians 2:12-13 NKJV).
Old Self/New Self
“Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with its deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him ...” (Colossians 3:9-10 NKJV; see verses 5-8).
Conclusion
The first three contrasts pertain to the dramatic change of status God has made possible for us in Christ. The last contrast deals with the lifestyle changes God expects of us as people of the Light. May we demonstrate to those still in the darkness what God can do for them, as He has so graciously done for us.
To Him be the glory!
