Reality CheckShembull

In the book of Colossians, Paul used strong language to impress on the hearts of the church that the very nature of Christ as the Sovereign Redeemer was non-negotiable. Even from prison, Paul was overcome by the urgency to remind fellow believers of God’s greatness and glory. 

Colossians 2:13-15 strongly addresses our sinful human condition without Christ. Simply put, we are DEAD. Death in the Bible always means separation. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, they were instantly separated from God (Gen 3). Their bodies became subjected to the pains of illness and aging, and their souls felt the weight of their sin. 

Isaiah 59:2 tells us, “but your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you so that he will not hear.” 

Although Paul’s message was stern, he reminds every believer of the triumphant glory of the Cross and the saving nature of Jesus Christ. While we are all indeed sinners and dead in our willful human condition, God makes us alive again through the sacrificing grace of our Saviour. Jesus Christ is the visible image of the invisible God (Col 1). He has reconciled all things to Him through His death on the Cross, offering each of us the hope of new life in Him.  As we come to Jesus in sincere repentance, He casts away our sin, our guilt and our shame, so that we might stand strong in righteousness for His name's sake.  

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your tremendous love for each of us, that even though we are all sinners, You bore the weight and measure of our sin upon Yourself that we might experience the glory of eternal life. Thank You, Jesus, for coming as our Saviour and our Redeemer.