preeminence of jesus
colossians 1:12-14
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
TABLE 3.1: Similarities between
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins
En hō echomen tēn apolytrōsin, tēn aphesin tōn hamartiōn
in him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace
En hō echomen tēn apolytrōsin dia tou haimatos autou, tēn aphesin tōn paraptōmatōn kata to ploutos tēs charitos autou
While the language of forgiveness of sins is sometimes used in connection with justification (cf.
Response
The gospel is the declaration of what God has done in Christ and how his work transforms human experience. Testimony of God’s gracious care and provision in the life of a believer is a valuable contribution to the task of presenting Jesus to the world. Christians should be careful to maintain an appropriate balance, as Paul does, between proclaiming the saving actions of God and delighting in the experience of freedom those actions have provided.
Christians must understand that they have been transferred from one domain to another. A fundamental spiritual transformation and relocation has taken place in their lives, whether or not they are conscious of it at any given time. They are not wavering between two domains, some days in one, some in another. They have been rescued and are under new authority.
Paul presents the definitive work of God as a rescue mission in which Christians have been delivered from hostile forces. The notion of needing rescue from the dominion of darkness may seem strange to Western readers. Yet people throughout the world find themselves enslaved in destructive behavior, such as the use of drugs or pornography, and are unable to escape on their own. They might not recognize the activity of evil and destructive spiritual beings, but the imprisonment is real nonetheless. In some parts of the world, however, such as much of Africa, there remains a distinct awareness of the realities of malevolent spiritual forces. In fact, openness to the reality of such beings can be problematic. People grow up with a fear of what the “ancestors” may do in their lives if they do not appease them by showing due respect in various important ceremonies and regular sacrifices. This can be a major problem even for those who have become Christians and confess Jesus as Lord. It is very important for Christians in regions where awareness of spiritual beings and realities is heightened to be very aware of Paul’s declaration of definitive rescue in Colossians.
The objective nature of both the Christian gospel and the Christian’s spiritual location as presented in Scripture are anchor-points when a believer’s feelings and circumstances cause uncertainty and doubt. But believers should also reflect on their personal experience of the objective victory that Christ has achieved. They know “redemption, the forgiveness of sins,” not simply at the moment of conversion, as if they must then manage as best they can on their own. Rather, believers’ union with Christ means that every moment of their lives from the time of conversion is one in which they experience the full significance of Christ’s completed work. It is essential that the objective and subjective aspects of redemption are not separated but are seen as part of an indivisible whole.
