To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse Colossians1:2
Are you intimidated by Paul's greeting?
The word "holy" is a tall order for us. It is to be blameless, righteous, completely pleasing to God with nothing that blemishes our record. It is to be without fault, completely in line with God's will. It is to have actions and motives in tune with undivided love for God and unselfish love for others.
And we can't do it...
Fortunately for the Colossians (and for us!) holiness is not something we attain, earn or achieve. Holiness is imputed to us by Christ. We are holy because this is a status and condition that is given to us by the crucified and resurrected Christ:
- _He_ was blameless and completely pleasing to God.
- _He_ was without fault and line with God's will.
- _He_ lived a life of total love toward God and others.
And He covers us in His achievement (holiness) when we are IN Him.
So, if we can't "do" holiness but only wear the holiness Jesus gives us, then what about faithfulness? Is this also a status conferred on us by Jesus?
No.
While holiness is a blood-washed-robe* we wear (a STATUS we have), faithfulness describes the RELATIONSHIP we have with Jesus. To be faithful is to be devoted, dedicated and committed to Christ. Faithfulness is about _responding_ the the status we have been given.
Here's how it works: When I realise how much Christ loved me - that He went to the cross to make me holy - it makes me want to be faithful to Him.
Have you considered what Christ had to do to make you holy?
Does it make you _want_ to be faithful to Him?
(If it does, then you've understood Paul's greeting and you're a Colossian!)
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* Rev 7:14 "...they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."
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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
