Notes on Colossians (2):
We have been looking at the first chapter of Colossians. Here Paul presents a kind of template for the Christian life, literally from beginning to (everlasting) end. Now, the most remarkable thing about the Colossian believers, according to Paul, was their faith and love. And we have also seen that this faith and love described a manner of living together that grew from a future reality, a promise or hope, that they were entirely confidant in. This faith and love is, then, a fruit of hope. And that hope is a product of their having heard and understood the gospel.

Now, Paul's ultimate concern is with the here-and-now aspect of this faith-journey. The key question is something like, Given that we have this hope, this sure thing, stored up for us in heaven, in what way does this change our lives today? Or, to put it another way, what can you tell me, Paul, about getting from here to there? That is, from this moment, both grace-laden and terrifying, to "the inheritance of the saints in light." The Epistle to the Colossians is in large part an answer to these question.

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Running out of time. Happy Thanksgiving to all my loyal readers (John?). I'll be back in a few days!