Colossians 1:12-14

Reason for Thanksgiving

Paul also prayed that the Colossian brethren might be thankful. Particularly, Christians should be grateful God qualified us to inherit the promised land of heaven, which is a land of light because the Son is there (Acts 26:17-18; Revelation 21:22-23). We were qualified when God delivered us out of the bondage of sin, or the realm of moral darkness. Coffman says the word "translated" was used to describe the transplanting of a race of people from one land to another. So, we are taken by God out of Satan's kingdom and placed in the Son's kingdom. This happens when one gets into Christ where he becomes a new creature dedicated in service to a new Lord, or king (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:3-4; Romans 6:16-18).

As he so often did, Paul emphasizes the blessings Christians have in Christ. The word "redemption" tells of one gaining his freedom by the payment of a ransom. Christ's blood was shed to pay the price for man's release from sin and to justify God for pronouncing those who are in the church free from guilt (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 1:7). Weed says the word "forgiveness" describes release from or cancellation of sins (Colossians 1:12-14).