Lesson 2119

(Lesson 2119)(09-24-17)  Colossians 2:1-12
    “For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”

    In the first part of today’s quote, Paul confessed that even though he had never met face to face with the Colossians, he had wished that one day he might accomplish that. He praised them for their devotion to Christ and ecouraged that they remain faithful.
    In the final part of today’s quote, Paul told the Colossians that they were “complete” in Christ, and that they were “circumcised with the corcumcision made without hands, putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:”
    We should make note that Paul clearly said the Colossians had put off the body of sins “by the circumcision of Christ”. He did NOT say that those sins were put off by ANY form of water wasing or baptism. This is yet another confirmation that eternal salvation comes by NO means other that by grace, through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
    Paul further explained that the souls of those of us who have accepted God’s saving grace, had been immersed with Jesus into that spiritual death that awaits all mortals, but because of God’s saving grace, have been resurrected in the same manner that the body of Jesus was resurrected. We are, “Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead.” ~