Relationships of Christ in Colossians 1

The apostle Paul wrote these words to the Believers in the city of Colosse. It was a city in what now is Turkey, and was some 100 miles east of the West coast of Turkey. Paul was in prison in Rome at this time for preaching the Gospel. He preached [rightly] that salvation from our sins came only through faith in the finished work of God's Son, Jesus Christ, by His death on the cross.

Paul wrote this to the Believers in another city, Corinth.

1Corinthians 15:3-4: "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
[4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures."

The blood of Jesus was sinless and God had accepted that as payment for the sins of any man who would confess they were a sinner and believe that Jesus had died for their sins in their place.

God promises eternal salvation from the punishment of hell through faith in Jesus' finished work on the cross.

Paul was in prison in Rome for preaching this wonderful message. From there he wrote this amazing portion of God's Word recorded in the letter to the Colossian Believers.

Click on Colossians 1:13-22.

Here are some of the things that he brings out for them and for us. This messages seems to change to another great truth about Jesus with almost every verse.

1. Christ's relationship to the believer. Verses 13-14

[13] "For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves,
[14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

2. Christ's relationship to the Father. Verse 15

[15] "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation".

3. Christ's relationship to creation. Verses16-17

[16] "For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him.
[17] He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together".

4. Christ's relationship to the church. Verses 18-19

[18] "And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy.
[19] For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him,"

5. Christ's relationship to the cross. Verse 20.

[20] "and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross."

6. Our relationship to God in our natural state. Verse 21

[21] "Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior."

7. Our relationship to God in our sanctified state. Verse 22

[22] "But now He has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation--"

The following chapter contains some instructions for the Believer, the ones truthfully called "Christ's Ones."

Colossians 2:6-7 Here are instructions for the Christian life and worship.

[6]"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him,
[7] rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness".