Colossians 1:14

Outline of 1:14-23

B.

CHRISTHis supremacy and work; Colossians 1:14-23

1.

In Christ we have redemption; Colossians 1:14

2.

Christ is the image of God; Colossians 1:15

3.

Christ is the firstborn of all creation; Colossians 1:15-16

a.

Because in him all things were created

b.

Through him and unto him all were created

4.

Christ is before all things; Colossians 1:17 a

5.

In Christ all things consist; Colossians 1:17 b

6.

Christ is head of the body; Colossians 1:18 a

7.

Christ is the beginning; Colossians 1:18 b

8.

Christ is the firstborn from the dead; Colossians 1:18 c

9.

What God's good pleasure decided concerning Christ; Colossians 1:19-23

a.

All the fulness would dwell in him; Colossians 1:19

b.

He would reconcile all things; Colossians 1:20-23

(1)

Who?Things in heaven and earth; Colossians 1:20

(2)

Need for reconciliationalienation; Colossians 1:21

(3)

How?By Christ's death; Colossians 1:22

(4)

Goal of reconciliationTo present men perfect; Colossians 1:22-23

(a)

Condition for presentation: that we continue in the gospel; Colossians 1:23

[1]

The gospel was preached in all creation

[2]

Paul was made a minister of the gospel

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14. in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins:

Translation and Paraphrase

14. (The Son is he) in whom we have redemption, (we are bought back from the slavery of sin; and our redemption is provided to us by) the forgiveness of (our) sins;

Notes

1.

Colossians 1:14 begins a new section in our outline (Colossians 1:14-23), which deals with the supremacy and preeminence of Christ. Many things are listed which indicate his supremacy. Some of these involve his work; some involve his nature; some involve his offices. They all show that in all things he has preeminence. (Colossians 1:18). Here we see very plainly what was stated in our introductory studies, that Colossians is the most Christ-centered epistle in the New Testament.

2.

We have redemption in Christ, and from no other source. Redemption is the act of buying back something that has been sold. We sold ourselves into condemnation in order to practice sin. (1 Kings 21:20). Christ bought us back, not with decaying material wealth like silver and gold, but with his own precious blood. 1 Peter 1:18-19. He gave his life that we might live with God.

3.

All of this Bible teaching about redemption sounds ridiculous to modern modes of thinking. Instead of accepting the truth that we are sold into sin, this generation thinks it owns and controls everything. But our need for redemption is solidly based on the infinite holiness, justice, and love of God. God's holiness cannot tolerate our sin. His justice and law requires that a life be given for a life forfeited by sin. His love caused him to send his only begotten son into the world to suffer the penalty due to sinners, that whosoever believes on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

4.

Our redemption is identified as being the forgiveness of our sins. Forgiveness of sins stands in apposition to redemption. Redemption and forgiveness of sins are the same work of Christ, viewed from two points. When we speak of redemption, we emphasize our helpless condition and Christ's act of buying us back. When we speak of forgiveness, we emphasize our own guilt in the matter. Ephesians 1:7.

Study and Review

1.

What is the topic of Colossians 1:14-23 that is given in our outline?

2.

In whom do we have our redemption? (Colossians 1:14)

3.

Define the word redemption. From what are we redeemed?

4.

What is the relation of redemption to forgiveness of sins?