A note from our Pastor’s desk:

“And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:”

Colossians 2:10

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Our study verse this week is a classic example of the Apostle Paul’s writing. For the modern reader, many of the writings of this author are filled with statements where the surface meaning does not match the intention. Sometimes these statements are complex theological ideas, as is the case with our verse this week, and sometimes they were based on modern references when the verse was written.

Foundational to understanding this verse is a recognition that the Apostle was not giving a call to action. This verse does not require the disciple to reach a state of completion in Christ. Rather, he was affirming an existing truth about the saints. Children of God, through the work of Christ Jesus, are complete in him. This could not be accomplished on our own, but is the result of the grace of God.

In Ephesians 1:6, the Apostle writes that Jesus has by his actions made us “accepted.” In the eyes of God, because of the work of Jesus Christ, the elect of God are seen without sin. They are righteous, they are sanctified, and they are complete due to the blood of Jesus Christ.

After establishing this foundational truth, the Apostle establishes a second truth. In the second half of the verse, he says that Jesus is the head of all principality and power. First, he is the head of the church in this world. The church should be the place from which grace, love, light, and faith flow forth into the world. Second, he is the head over all earthly authority. This is not to say he chooses kings, presidents, and other rulers. But rather that Jesus always holds all power and that he can control all things that happen. Finally, he is the authority over the angels, both good and evil. In particular, the heavenly angels answer to his authority and minister to the children of God at his command.

The truths in this verse remind us of repentance’s true purpose. Yes, every disciple commits sins and we should recognize those sins and seek to walk in a less sinful fashion. But the purpose of repentance is to reconcile our lives, views, and selves to God’s will and teachings. Part of that reconciliation is seeing, understanding, and truly knowing that we have been made complete in the work of Jesus Christ.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah