A note from our Pastor:

“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:”

Colossians 1:27

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Colossians 1:27, our study verse for this week, continues of the thoughts in Colossians 1:26. It is important that you read last week’s study before continuing here, as the thoughts build on one another. The Apostle Paul did not write them as chapter and verse. Rather, in writing this letter, they were one continuous (and lengthy) thought.

In the prior verse, the Apostle establishes that the truth of eternal salvation was a mystery in the Old Testament. It was written about by the prophets, but without clarity. In the New Testament, through the ministries of Jesus and the Apostles, the truth of eternal salvation is revealed. The mystery, knowledge of eternal salvation, is likewise the subject of this verse.

The purpose of Paul’s ministry was to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. He did this directly with congregations and through ministers, such as Titus and Timothy, whom he trained and instructed. He begins this verse saying, “to whom God would make known,” which in simpler terms means it was the will of God for the truth of eternal salvation to be revealed to the Gentiles also. In other words, the Apostle is saying the purpose of his conversion and calling was to bring the revelation of the mystery of God to this group of people. It also served to provide this revelation to generations to follow because of the work of the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle then continues by saying that the riches of this mystery is Christ in the believer, which is hope. In a hypothetical scenario, God could have set the actions for eternal salvation in motion and completed them without the children of God knowing. The efficacy of the saving works would not have been diminished. The same number of elected persons would be in heaven at the end of time. But hope of glory would have been absent in the child of God.

In contrast, not only did Jesus Christ come to earth to complete the legal work of salvation, but he also came to reveal the mystery of salvation. In doing so, those who believe in Christ have within them a knowledge of the mystery of Godliness. From that knowledge, they receive strength and hope.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah