The Context of Colossians

The context of Colossians is significant. Colossians 1:1-11 introduces the subject of the inheritance of the saints, and how we have redemption through the blood of Jesus, who is God's dear Son. Colossians 1:20-29 continues to reiterate that Jesus, through his blood, has reconciled those who were sometimes alienated and even enemies of God because of wicked works (Romans 5:10; 1 Peter 1:3), for the purpose of presenting us as blameless in his sight. Paul speaks about the church, which is Christ's body (Ephesians 4:4; 1 Corinthians 12:13,27; Ephesians 1:17-23). He mentions the sufferings in his own flesh for the sake of the church, for which he had been made a minister to fulfill the word of God (Acts 22:14; Philippians 3:8). He mentions the mystery of Christ in us, and the hope of glory (Romans 8:17-18). As seen, he is not talking about the original creation, but is talking about the hope that we now have through the blood of Jesus, God's Son (Luke 22:20; Ephesians 1:2-12; Ephesians 2:4-13)! Paul is describing the church, the body of Christ, which is a new beginning created through Christ Jesus. (1 Peter 1:3; Ephesians 1; Ephesians 2:13-15; 2 Corinthisns 5:17-20; Galatians 6:15).

God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself through His eternal Spirit of promise (2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Hebrews 9:14; Acts 10:38). The passage says, "all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth." It gives details and begins naming such things that were created through the man Jesus the Christ, after specifically referring to our inheritance, and the redemption in Jesus. "And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile ALL THINGS unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things IN earth, or things IN heaven." This is talking about things that were created through Jesus by means of the blood of his cross (Ephesians 2 and 3). Colossians 1:16 as also congruent with the context, is in reference to what has been created through the man Jesus. Truly, Jesus is the beginning of the creation of God in regards to the church, he is the firstborn so that he has the preeminence- Colossians 1:15, Rev 1:4-6, Rev 3:14 Specifically, he is the firstborn of all creation to be raised from the dead to eternal life- 1 Corinthians 15:20-28. He is the head of the church and in him all things consist and we are complete in him. Jesus is of creation, which means he is a created being. God is his Father, his creator/his God and our God- John 20:16-17, Malachi 2:10, Micah 5:2-4. Jesus was conceived (came into existence) by the holy spirit of God- Galatians 4:4, Luke 1:30-35, Matthew 1:18-20 (he was made of a woman, made under the law. Jesus is of the lineage of David and Abraham- Galatians 3:16, Matthew 1:1, Acts 2:29-34, Acts 13:19-39. Jesus, the son of God, is the son of man- a real man; he perfectly reflects the one true God- John 8:40, Acts 2:22, Romans 5, 1 Timothy 2:5-6, John 14:1-11, John 8:16-19, Hebrews 1:3. God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ- Acts 2:22-39. Our Lord Jesus' God, who raised him from the dead and has highly exalted him, is the Highest- Romans 10:9-10, Ephesians 1:17-23, Acts 10: 38-43, Philippians 2:5-12. God is not a man, and he does not change- Hosea 11:9, Numbers 23:16-19, Malachi 3:6. It is impossible for God to lie- Titus 1:2. The context of Colossians is not at all about the original creation of Genesis 1 of the heavens and the earth.

Believe the Lord Jesus about his own God- John 14:28, Romans 15:6. Jesus was tempted on all points just as we are tempted yet without sin, and that is impossible for YHVH to do as he cannot be tempted with evil, which means he has never been tempted with evil at any time- Hebrews 4:14-15, James 1:13. Trust our Lord Jesus to know his God whom he obeys- Luke 18:19, John 10:29, Mark 12:29-34, John 17:3, John 12:49-50, John 8:28-30.

Note: Christ and the saints will reign on the earth, as it it seen in the scriptures that the meek/saints will inherit the earth and will never be removed (Psalm 37, Matthew 5:5, Proverbs 10:30, Proverbs 11:31) Daniel 7:15-27,Revelation 1:5-6, Revelation 5:9-11. The camp of the saints is on the earth- Revelation 20:9 and this doesn't change ever-Revelation 3:11-12, Revelation 21.

Son of God

To be son of God is to be a created being. Adam was called the son of God because he was formed by God of the dust of the earth, he didn't have any human parents- Genesis 2:7, Luke 3:38. Jesus is the son of God because he was conceived (began to exist) by the holy spirit (made of a woman made under the law- he is come in flesh [1 John 4:2]). He is of the fruit of David’s loins, a man- Matthew 1:1-18/Luke 1:30-35/Galatians 4:4/John 8:40/John 12:49-50/John 8:24-29/Acts 2:29-32/Acts 13:19-39/1 Timothy 2:5-6/ Romans 5/Acts 3:13-15, Acts 4:7-12/Acts 5:28-33. Jesus is the firstborn from the dead- 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, Rev 1:5, Rev 1:18. Jesus is called the firstborn of creation because he is actually apart of God’s creation.  Of all creation he is the firstborn, he has the preeminence- Colossians 1:15. YHVH created all by himself/all alone and needs no help at all as the creator and God of everyone including Jesus-John 20:16-17, John 14:28, Rev 3:11-12. YHVH loved and knew Jesus even before Jesus was made of a woman-John 17:3,14-24. Jesus was in the foreknowledge of God- Acts 2:22-32, 1 Peter 1:19-21. According to the Bible only the Father of Jesus is the true God, which means that the God of our Lord Jesus is strictly one and is the Highest and greatest- Mark 12:28-34, Gal 3:20, Isaiah 45:18-19; John 17:3/1 Thessalonians 1:9-10/1 John 5:20. Jesus called his disciples brethren because he has the same God and Father- Matthew 23:9-10, John 20:16-17, John 10:29-36, Rev 3:11-12. The Biblical God is not more than one.

The context of Colossians is not about the original creation of Genesis. It states, "all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth." It gives details and begins naming such things that were created through the man Jesus the Christ, after specifically referring to our inheritance, and the redemption in Jesus. "And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile ALL THINGS unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things IN earth, or things IN heaven." This is about things that were created through Jesus and for Jesus, the faithful witness, by means of his blood in the new creation of God (of which Jesus is the beginning and before all things, being the firstborn from the dead- Ephesians 2 and 3, Revelation 3:14/ Revelation 1:5-6). Colossians 1:16 as also congruent with the context, is in reference to what has been created through the man Jesus, not some other being. We are complete in Jesus-Colossians 2:6-23.

Sanctification

Sanctification is the act of setting yourself apart for God (Exodus 13:2, Exodus 28:41) to do his will, and to walk after his ways, to be holy (Leviticus 11:44, Leviticus 20:7, Leviticus 21:8, Leviticus 27:14). We need to abstain from evil, and when we are tempted we should submit to the will of God. If we do sin, we should acknowledge our sin, confess our sin, and in repentance (change), the blood of the son of God cleanses us from all unrighteousness- 1 John 1. It is not alright to sin, for God forbids it- Romans 6. If we do sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ -1 John 2:1-2. Let us be led by the spirit of our Lord Jesus' God who raised Jesus from the dead- Romans 8, Galatians 5, Romans 5:5, Acts 5:32. See also Acts 2:22-39.

For example in Leviticus they were instructed to sanctify themselves, and to be holy for the LORD (YHVH) their God.

Leviticus 20: 7-8 KJV
⁷ Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God.
⁸ And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the Lord which sanctify you.

The Father sanctified his son Jesus and sent him into the world- John 10:36 (ex:Jesus sent his disciples into the world. Jesus was not of the world, and his disciples were not of the world- John 17:14-18/Mark 16:14-20). Jesus is the anointed, chosen one of God- Acts 10:38/Acts 4:26-27/2 Peter 1:16-18, Luke 23:35. The term Christ means the anointed one of God- Acts 4:26-27. God anointed Jesus with holy spirit and power and ordained him to judge- Acts 10:38-43.

Those who are in Christ are the chosen and elect of God, a holy nation, through the sanctification of the spirit unto the obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus the Christ- 1 Peter 2:9, 1 Peter 1:2.

God gives his holy spirit to those who obey him (Luke 11:13, 1 Thessalonians 4:8, Acts 5:32, 1 Corinthians 12:11-13, 1 Corinthians 6:9-20, Romans 8). Hear the words of Peter in response to a great question that was asked.

Acts 2:37-39 (2:22-36) KJV (See also: Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Luke 24:44-49)
³⁷ Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
³⁸ Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
³⁹ For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Living Bread From Heaven

The living bread that came down from heaven was the man Jesus. In other words this unique human came from and was sent by God (John 8:42). Jesus is come in flesh- John 1:14, 1 John 4:2. The bread that came down from heaven was not a demigod/godman, but was a man/flesh/son of man-John 6:48-51, John 3:13, James 1:17. God did not die for us because he was never dead, but his Christ (anointed one) was dead, and God raised him from the dead- Romans 5:8. God gave his Son, not himself- John 3:16. Jesus was obedient to the will of God, and gave himself to God as an offering and a sacrifice on behalf of the church- Luke 22:40-46; Ephesians 5:2,25. Only the Father of Jesus is the true God, and is the Highest- John 17:3, John 14:28, John 20:16-17, Hebrews 1:8-9. Believe that Jesus is correct and trust and hope in his and our God-1 Peter 1:21. See also Isaiah 53:10/Ephesians 5:2,25.

Before the man Jesus was conceived (made of a woman- Gal 4:4), he was always in the foreknowledge of God, his Father. Jesus was slain from the foundation of the world- Rev 13:8. Jesus, the Son of God (Luke 1:35), is the Son of man and was taught by his Father- John 8:24-29,40. Jesus is the firstborn of all creation/the firstborn from the dead- Colossians 1. He is of creation/apart of creation. The term son of God always refers to a created being in the scriptures (Ex. Luke 3:38- Adam [the first man] was the son of God- a man formed without sin, but he disobeyed God and brought death/ Jesus [the second man/last Adam] is a man made by a woman by the power and spirit of our God, and he obeyed God and brought life- Galatians 4:4-5, Romans 5, 1 Corinthians 15:20-28).

In reference to Jesus being of creation, see also:
http://scripturesspeak.blogspot.com/2018/05/son-of-godcreated-being.html
http://scripturesspeak.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-context-of-colossians.html

Body of Christ

Being in the body of Christ is being a member of the church (Ephesians 1:20-23; Colossians 1:24; Ephesians 5:2,25-30; 1 Corinthians 6:15-17). Not just any church, but the church spoken of in the scriptures, the one whose foundation and cornerstone is Jesus himself (Ephesians 2:19-22; Ephesians 4:4,15-16). The church is our Lord Jesus' body, and he is the Head in this body, and God is the Head over Christ (1 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Corinthians 3:23; Acts 2:22-36; Acts 10:36-43; Ephesians 1:17-23). Its not a physical building/temple that was constructed by men (Hebrews 9:1-11,24; Hebrews 8:1-6). We are built and established in Jesus, the cornerstone, for an habitation for God through the spirit (Ephesians 2:10-22). If we are in Christ, we are heirs of God through Christ (Galatians 4:4-7). We are joint-heirs with Christ- YAY!- Romans 8:17. Jesus is our way to God. There is but one God to us, the Father (John 17:1,3; 1 Corinthians 8:4,6; John 20:17; 1 Thess 1:9-10). There is no access to God without Jesus, who is the one that the only true God sent (John 17:1,3; John 6:28-29; John 14:6,28; John 8:40-42; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 7:24-28). Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus, who has shown us great mercy and kindness through Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Peter 1:3,17-25; Romans 3:20-28; Romans 5:1-11; Galatians 3:22-29; Ephesians 2). 

God who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands, for every building is made by some man, but God made everything (Acts 7:44-51; Acts 17:24-31; Hebrews 3:1-6).

Hebrews 10:24-25
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

The Gospel of the Kingdom

The meek will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).
God created the earth to be inhabited (Isaiah 45:18).

Proverbs 10:30
The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.

Psalms 37
9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.
11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.
22 For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.
29The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
34 Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.

In the Lord's prayer Jesus instructs us to pray for the Father's Kingdom to come, and for his will to be done in earth as it is in heaven. This is the gospel of the Kingdom, and Jesus stated that it was for this reason he was sent (to preach it) in Luke 4:43.

Matthew 6:10
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

In Revelation 21, the heavenly kingdom of God will come down out of heaven from Jesus' God (Rev 21:1-7, Rev 3:11-12). Before that happens the wicked will have already been cut off and will not see it at all- Psalms 37, Rev 20, 1 Corinthians 15:20-28.

The wicked will perish (be destroyed), but those in Christ will enjoy eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 2:7; Psalm 37:38, Rev 20:4-6) in peace on earth in the Kingdom of God (Rev 5:9-10).

Continuing in the Faith

Once Saved Always Saved?

No, John 10:28 does not mean that you can never lose your salvation. In John 10:28, Jesus is talking about "his sheep" that God gave to him, and these sheep follow Jesus (verses 25-29; Hebrews 2:10-13; Matthew 23:8-9; John 6:44; John 5:20-27). We must continue in the faith, and this means that it is possible for us to choose not to continue in the faith (Acts 14:22; James 2:17-26). If someone stops following Jesus, how then are they his sheep (Luke 6:46; Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:45-49; John 15:10)? They would have left the flock of their own accord, and have become a lost sheep (Psalms 119:176; Luke 15:4-7). If John 10:28 did mean that it was not possible for us to lose our salvation then there would be no more need for repentance (1 John 1; 2 Corinthians 12:19-21). If we sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 2:1-2; 1 John 4:9-10; Romans 3:24-26; John 3:16; Hebrews 7:24-28; Hebrews 9:14). Please see also 1 John 1:3-10.

Romans 6:1-16,23 (KJV)
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.