Read Colossians 1:21–23
Now [God] has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through
death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free
from accusation.
Colossians 1:22
Paul’s statement to the Colossians seems to cast a shadow on the assurance of our future glory (v. 13). Is it possible for us believers to lose
our salvation? No, the if clause in verse 23 does not suggest doubt or
lay down a condition by which we “continue in [our] faith.”
Paul used an architectural image in this verse—a house, firmly
set on the foundation. The town of Colosse was located in a region
known for earthquakes, and the Greek word translated “moved from”
can mean “earthquake stricken.” Paul was saying, “If you are truly
saved and built on the solid foundation, Jesus Christ, then you will
continue in the faith and nothing will move you. You have heard the
gospel and trusted Jesus Christ, and He has saved you.”
In other words, we are not saved by continuing in the faith. But
we continue in the faith and thus prove that we are saved. It behooves
each of us as professing Christians to test our own faith and examine
our own heart to be sure we are a child of God (2 Cor. 13:5).
Something to Ponder
What are some of the “earthquakes” you have faced that threatened to
shake your spiritual foundation?