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Colossians
Chapter 1

Theme: Christ, the fullness of God . . . in Christ we are made full . . . Introduction; Paul's prayer; Person of Christ; impartial work of Christ for sinners; personal work of Christ for saints

Introduction (Colossians 1:1-8)

The four Prison Letters of Paul, which include the Letter to the Colossians, have been called the structure of the Church because their subjects cover all aspects of the Christian faith. In the Letter to Colossians, our attention is directed to the Head of the body who is Christ. The body, the church, is secondary. Christ is the theme, and Christian living is centered on Him

Colossians 1:1  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, (KJV)

Paul . . . this man who was a persecutor, was now become a preacher of the Gentiles, so that he laid aside his Hebrew name Saul and used the name Paul, which was more familiar among the Gentiles (Acts 13:2-3,9).
An apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God . . . an apostle is an extraordinary person appointed directly by the special command of our Lord Jesus Himself, with supreme authority to preach the Gospel, and establish His church, which is the highest charge God ever given to mankind (Mat.10:2; Lk.6:13; 1 Cor.12:28; Gal.1:12; Eph.1:1; 4:11).
And Timotheus our brother . . . Paul here joins himself with Timothy, by the title of our brother, as being of the same faith, laboring in one and the same work, which might be more for their benefit.

Colossians 1:2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV)

To the saints . . . (Phil.1:1). Saints are those who are born again into the family of God (Jn.1:12-13; 3:3-8), and are in Christ.
And faithful brethren in Christ, which are at Colosse . . . (Phil.4:21). Every saint in Christ Jesus in Colossae.
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ . . . (Rom.1:7; Eph.1:2; Phil.1:2). To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colossae . . . Paul is NOT talking about two groups of people. The saints and the believing brethren are one and the same. Faithful brethren are believing brethren, and they are saints. We are NOT saints because of what we do. We are saints because of our position in Christ. The Greek word for saints means "to be set apart for God." Those who are set apart for God and the believing brethren are the same group of people.

Colossians 1:3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, (KJV)

We give thanks to God . . . who is the Author of all good; and from whom His grace, which has produced your conversion, has sprung by His assignment of Christ Jesus (Eph.1:15-16). We . . . takes in Timothy and others, in recognizing God's grace to them, which might express his great good-will to them (Phil.1:1-3).
And the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . describes God, to whom they render thanks, both as the Father of Jesus Christ, according to both natures (2 Cor.1:3; Eph.1:3).
Praying always for you . . . when they addressed themselves to God by prayer, they always made mention of them, just as Paul also wrote to the Philippians (Phil.1:3). Saints, TRUE Christians, are privileged because we can go directly to God in prayer. Jesus made that possible for us (Rom.5:1-2). We do not need to go through any form, nor do we have to go through an earthly priest or pope. IF you are born again (Jn.1:12-13; 3:3-8) into the family of God, you are justified by faith (Rom.3:28; 5:1; Gal.3:24), and you have total access to God through the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank You Jesus!

Colossians 1:4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, (KJV)

Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints . . . this is very much like Eph.1:15. It is almost certain that Paul seems to have considered the church at Ephesus, and the one at Colossae to have been nearly in the same state, as the two Letters are very similar in their doctrine and wording.

Six blessings of the Colossians:
1. They had faith in Jesus Christ (Col.1:4).
2. They love for all saints (Col.1:4).
3. They hope for eternal life (Col.1:5; Tit.1:2).
4. They heard the truth of the gospel (Col.1:5).  
5. They bore fruit (Col.1:6).
6. They knew the grace of God in truth (Col.1:6).

Colossians 1:5  For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; (KJV)

For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven . . . hope here, in this description of it, seems to be used for the glorious eternal salvation hoped for (Rom.8:24; Eph.1:18), which could also include that amazing grace, by which we lay hold of eternal life contained in the Promise (Tit.1:2). This certainly is set before believers here to encourage them to flee to Christ for refuge and safety (Heb.6:18), and know their inheritance is reserved in Heaven for them (1 Pet.1:2-5); which may accelerate Christian love in all the members of Christ in every condition; yet not with a greedy affection (2 Cor.5:14). God in His grace and unmerited love is pleased to reward any who diligently seek Him (Heb.11:6).
Whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel . . . Paul reminds them of the means by which they had achieved this good hope (2 Thes.2:16), when they first embraced the Gospel, by hearing (Rom.10:14), the word of truth (2 Cor.6:7; Eph.1:13); not only because it is the Word of Jesus Christ, who is the truth, and the life (Jn.14:6), but because the Gospel is the most excellent of all truths, surpassing all in philosophy and the law (Jn.1:17).

Colossians 1:6  Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: (KJV)

Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world . . . the doctrine of the Gospel is represented here by Paul as a traveler, whose object it is to visit all the habitable Earth; and, having started his journey in Judea, had proceeded through Syria and through different parts of Asia Minor, and had finally arrived at their city, and everywhere proclaiming glad tidings of great joy to all people.
And bringeth forth fruit . . . wherever the pure Gospel of Christ is preached, it is the seed (Mat.13:3-8) of the Kingdom, and must be fruitful in all those who receive it by faith.
As it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it . . . which from the first receiving of the Gospel, was found growing amongst the TRUE converts at Colossae, although it seemed false teachers had crept in to choke out the good fruit with their tares (Mat.13:38).
And knew the grace of God in truth . . . they who had a sincere experience of the grace of God (Rom.5:15; Tit.2:11), and the excellency of the knowledge of Christ (Eph.1:17; 3:4; Phil.3:8, 2 Pet.1:8; 3:18), did hold firm and flourish, and brought forth fruit in old age (Ps.3:8; 92:12-15).

Colossians 1:7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; (KJV)

As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant . . . it seems Epaphras (Philemon 1:23), was most likely the pastor of the church in Colossae. Paul calls him our dear fellow-servant. Paul always had something good to say about those who were preaching the Word of God. But when he found someone doing wrong, he was just like our Lord Jesus in that he would really rebuke evil when he saw it. Our dear fellow servant . . .  means Epaphras worked with them in the service of the same Master (Col.4:7; Rev.6:11).
Who is for you a faithful minister of Christ . . . his office, which he discharged with faithfulness and affection unto them. He worked with all honesty and integrity, as fitting one entrusted by his Master Christ, discharging the Gospel for their good (Col.4:13; Jn.12:26; 1 Cor.4:1-2; Eph.4:12; 1 Tim.4:6; Heb.13:17).

Colossians 1:8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. (KJV)

Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit . . . with kindness and joy, Epaphras reported to Paul and Timothy, what a passionate affection, not moved by carnal thoughts, but brought on by the Holy Spirit (Gal.5:6,22), coming from a renewed heart (1 Tim.1:5; 2 Tim.1:7), they had for Christ, for the Gospel, the apostle, and all that loved the Lord Jesus in sincerity (Gal.6:10; Eph.6:24; 2 Cor.1:12; 1 Pet.1:22-23).

Paul's Prayer (Colossians 1:9-14)

Next, we see Paul's prayer for the Colossians. This is one of the most wonderful prayers in Scripture. It is a prayer that seems to touch on all bases. It would be wise if we pay attention to what Paul prays for.
First he will make several petitions, and then he will thank the Lord for the things He has already done for us.

Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; (KJV)

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you . . . Paul states the reason for his prayer, that which was mentioned in the above verses, being their faith and love (Col.1:4-5), and their special love to him (Col.1:8).
And to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will . . . the subject matter of their immediate prayer was, that the Colossians might reach a full and accurate knowledge of the mind of God in Christ, so they could obey what God requires in the Gospel (Col.1:5-6; Eph.5:15-17).
In all wisdom and spiritual understanding . . . in all needed knowledge of the things of faith and conducts, according to the rule of the Gospel, for wisdom properly speaks of the most outstanding things, and what we learn most clearly and satisfactorily from the revealed will of God, which we find in the Bible. Wisdom is that which Paul and other fellowservants spoke as taught of God among the perfect or mature Christians, which opposes both the wisdom of man and of the world (1 Cor.2:4,6), and being agreeable to the will of God (Job 28:28; Pro.28:7; Jn.6:40; 1 Thes.4:3).
Christian wisdom by some may be called spiritual prudence or carefulness, but I think we could call it understanding, intelligence, insight, perception, and best of all, discernment. I truly believe that Godly wisdom is a gift from God. Discernment: Eze.44:23; Mal.3:18; Mat.16:3; Lk.12:56; 1 Cor.2:14; 11:29; Heb.5:14). The word wisdom is found six times in this short Letter.

Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; (KJV)

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing . . . Paul’s second petition is that they might be pleasing to God, which means that they will not be bowing down to men or try to please them.
Being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God . . . Paul’s third request is that they might be fruitful in every good work. TRUE Christians are fruit-bearing branches (Jn.15:1-5). Christ is the Vine, and we should be bringing forth fruit.
And increasing in the knowledge of God . . . TRUE Christians should not be stagnant but alive and growing in the Word of God. Their increase in the knowledge of God is Paul's fourth request.

Paul urges the Christians at Colossae (and us):
1. To walk . . . to be active in their Christian calling.
2. To walk worthily . . . fitting the dignity of that calling.
3. To do everything so that God might be pleased with the manner, the time, the motive, disposition, design and object of every word and deed.
4. They should be fruitful. Just being harmless is not sufficient; for as God had sown good seed, He expected good fruit.
5. Their every work should be good; they must not be fruitful in some works and fruitless in others.
6. They should increase in the knowledge of God, learning more of God, His love, His grace and His peace, day by day.

Colossians 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; (KJV)

Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power . . . it is necessary to pray for a power from above, for even the best Christians here below are weak and imperfect, not able to do what is required of them, until they are strengthened (Phil.4:13). We all have a great need of all might, the special helps of God, so we can carry out difficult duties, to crush strong vices, to cast away from us worldly lusts, to reject and resist repeated temptations and to improve daily mercies, which can result only from God’s exceeding great and mighty power (Eph.1:19-20; 3:16). It is an excellent glorious power (2 Cor.4:7,13), needed to perfect and complete, as well as begin, the work of grace (2 Thes.1:11), a great reality to sincere converts and TRUE believers.
Unto all patience . . . his glorious power is the only way that we can patiently bear the things which come down hard on us and/or continue a long time. Philosophy, with all its alleged prescriptions, is incompetent to arrange the soul to true patience and contentment under any sufferings. That is the answer in today’ times! BEWARE! It is bogus! It is just money in these Quack’s pockets! Patience (longsuffering) comes to us in just one way! Through Christ! When you sincerely accept Jesus’ work on the cross, you are baptized by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor.12:13), and he then works in your life, by the fruits of His Spirit (Gal.5:22-23). Longsuffering (patience) is just one of those fruits! NO so-called shrink can bring patience to your soul!
Here is his fifth request. Strength and power can come only from God, and they are produced only by the Holy Spirit. These believers are to be strengthened with all might unto all patience and longsuffering. This patience and longsuffering should always be with joyfulness.

Twelve things that were prayed for the Colossians:
1. To be filled with the knowledge of His will (1:9).
2. To be filled with all wisdom (1:9).
3. To have spiritual understanding (1:9).
4. To walk worthy of the Lord (1:10).
5. To walk pleasing to the Lord (1:10).
6. To be fruitful in all good works.
7. To increase in the knowledge of God.
8. To be strengthened with all might (1:11).
9. To have His glorious power.
10. To have all patience (1:11).
11. To have all longsuffering (1:11).
12. To have joy (1:11).

Colossians 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: (KJV)

Giving thanks unto the Father . . . Paul goes from petitioning to thanksgiving to God the Father, because of His grace manifested in His Son for our redemption. In the Ephesians 1:3-4, he began with election, here with effective urging; he acknowledges God the Father to be the Object and Author of what was produced for us by His Son, and in us by His Spirit (Rom.8:9).
Which hath made us meet . . . only Jesus made us capable of communion with Himself and the Father (Rom.5:1), or ready and fit (meet), which suggests that by nature we all are unready and unfit.
To be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light . . . to have a part in the lot of the purchased inheritance with them that are sanctified (Acts 26:18; Eph.1:14; 1 Pet.1:4). The apostle seems to refer to the land of Canaan, wherein a portion was assigned to everyone by lot for his inheritance, that being a type of the rest which remaineth to the people of God (Heb.4:9), and this is here said to be of the saints in light, symbolically meaning the joy and glory of that state and place, in opposition to the power of darkness.

Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: (KJV)

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness . . . which means the agony and misery of the damned, condemned, lost, unbelievers (Lk.22:53; Jn.14:30; Acts 26:18; 2 Cor.4:3-6; Eph.6:12; Jude 1:8; Rev 12:9-12). They who are made fit to walk in the light as children of the light (Eph.5:8), are eternally freed from.
And hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son . . . He has completely changed our state, bringing us out of the darkness of evil and immorality, and placed us in the Kingdom of His dear Son. The Colossians, and us, have been delivered from the kingdom of Satan. We were dead in trespasses and sins Eph.2;1), going the way of the world. Now we have been translated into the Kingdom of the Son of Almighty God. We cannot build the Kingdom of God, but we can be a part of it! How? Open your heart and receive Christ as your Savior. That is what translates you into the Kingdom of His dear Son.

Colossians 1:14  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: (KJV)

In whom we have redemption through his blood . . . (Eph.1:7; 1 Pet.1:18-19) for He has paid the redemption price, with His own Blood, so our sins might be cancelled, and we could be made fit to be partakers of the inheritance among the saints in light. Thank You Jesus!
Even the forgiveness of sins . . . the taking away of sins, plus all the power, guilt and infection of sin. All sin of every kind, with all its influence and consequences.

Person of Christ (Colossians 1:15-19)

This is a very exalted and very outstanding section of this Letter. The subject is the Person of Jesus Christ. We can never say too much about Him, and we will never in our life time be able to comprehend Him in all of His wonder and in all of His glory.

This part provides an answer to those who deny the deity of Jesus Christ. To truly understand these Passages, is to realize just how awesome and wonderful He really is. Paul is specifically trying to answer one of the oldest heresies in the church, Gnosticism. Another of the first heresies was Arianism. Some taught that the Lord Jesus Christ was a creature, a created being. This section discusses this problem. The Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325 answered this heresy saying, "The Son is very Man of very man, and very God of very God."

Later on in the history of the church, others spread the damnable heresy (2 Pet.2:1) that Jesus was NOT God and that mankind did NOT need a Saviour. They taught that mankind was NOT totally depraved, which totally opposes the Word of God! Today this is the basis of the false doctrine of Unitarianism (disbelief in the Triune God), the teaching of some cults, including Jehovah's Witnesses.

There are given here in this section, NINE marks of identification of Christ which make Him different from any other, and far superior to any other person who has ever lived.

Colossians 1:15  Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: (KJV)

Who is the image of the invisible God . . . #1. He is the "image of the invisible God. He is the equal of Almighty God (Jn.10:30), and IF the image of the invisible God, therefore NOTHING that appeared in Jesus could be that image; for if it could be visible in the Son, it could also be visible in the Father also. BUT . . . IF the Father is invisible, as a result His image in the Son must be invisible too. This is that form of God of which Jesus stripped himself; the  indescribable glory in which He not only did not appear, as to its splendor and accompaniments, but also concealed its essential nature; that inaccessible light which no man, no created being, can possibly see. This was that Divine nature, the fullness of the Godhead bodily, which dwelt in Him. If Jesus were not God, He could NOT have been the image of the invisible God. . . . . . . . http://www.godcannotlie.org/phil_ch2.htm . . . See Phil.2:7.
The first-born of every creature . . . #2. He is "the first born of every creature." God hath given Him a Name which is above every name (Phil.2:9); He is as Man at the Head of all the creation of God (Rev.3:14). He cannot be considered as a creature, because He Himself created all things (Jn.1:1-3), and existed before anything was made (Jn.10:30; Phil.2:6; 1 Tim.3:16). Jesus is the Supreme Being, meaning He pre-existed eternally, and points to Him as the Source of ALL things.

Eighteen Proofs that God can be Seen:
1.God has been seen with a literal Body (Jn.4:24). Jesus IS God!
http://www.hisservants.org/is_jesus_god_h_s.htm
2. Man was made bodily in God's image (Gen.1:26-27; 9:6)
3. God ate food with Abraham (Cen.18:8).
4. Jacob wrestled with God (Gen.32:24).
5. Seventy-four men ate with God (Ex.24:1-11).
6. Moses saw God face to face out of His glory (Ex.33:11; 1 Tim.6:16), and he saw His back parts when he requested to see His glory (Ex.33:18-23).
7. Joshua and all Israel saw Him (Josh.5:13-15).
8. Gideon saw God (Judg.6:11-23).
9. Samson's parents saw Him (Judg.13:3-23).
10. David saw God (1 Chron.21:16-17).
11. Job saw God (Job 42:5).
12. Isaiah saw and described God (Isa.6).
13. Amos saw the Lord (Amos 9:1).
14. Ezekiel described God (Eze.1:26-28; 10:20; 40:3; 43:7;47:1-6).
15. Daniel described God, even His clothes, body and hair (Dan.7:9-14; 10:5-6).
16. Stephen saw God and Christ (Acts 7:56).
17. John described God (Rev.4:2-5; 5:1-7).
18. All people will one day see God (Rev.20:11-15; 21:3-4; 22:4).

Firstborn of Creation
1. The only begotten of the Father (Jn.1:14)
2. The only begotten Son (Jn.1:18)
3. His only begotten Son (Jn.3:16; 1 Jn.4:9)
4. The only begotten Son of God (Jn.3:18)
5. This day have I begotten Thee (Ps.2:7;Acts 13:33; Heb.1:5; 5:5).
6. I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son (Heb.1:5).

Firstborn Is Used of Jesus:
1. As the firstborn of every creature (Col.1:15)
2. Firstborn from the dead (Col.1:18)
3. Firstborn of many brethren (Rom.8:29)
4. The Head of the church of the firstborn (Heb.12:23)
5. The first-begotten (Heb.1:5-6)
6. First-begotten of the dead (Rev.1:5)

Considering these facts, it is clear in what sense Jesus is "the firstborn of every creature" or of all creation (Col.1:15), and "the firstborn among many brethren" (Rom.8:20). All Creation came into existence by creative acts by the Creator, not by a begetting (producing) as in the case of Jesus. Even the "many brethren" are not begotten in the way Jesus was by the Holy Spirit (Lk.1:31-35). The brethren were begotten by people, NOT by God, and were thus brought into the human family, NOT into the family of God. The only way anyone gets into God's family is by adoption (Rom.8:14-16; Gal.4:5-6; Eph.1:5). Jesus is the only begotten Son . . . who is the first of all creatures to be begotten of God, the only one of all beings begotten of God, the first and only one of the family of God adopted and "created" brethren begotten of God (Eph.4:24; Col.3:10), the first-begotten from the dead, and the first-fruit of the resurrection of all men (1 Cor.15:23-33; Col.1:18; Rev.1:5). The church is the called-out people of the One who is the firstborn (Heb.12:23). Adam and all mankind, and all the angels (good and bad) were by creation, NOT by begetting (Gen.1:26-27; 6:1-4; Job1:6; 38:4-7; Lk.3:38).

Colossians 1:16  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (KJV)

For by him were all things created . . . #3. "By him were all things created" IF all things were created by Him, that proves He is the Creator, NOT a creature! The statement that He is the Firstborn of all creation does NOT mean that He was created, but rather He is the One who did the creating.
That are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible . . . there are two kinds of Creation, the "visible and invisible" what you can see and what is there and you cannot see.
Whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers . . . it is interesting that Paul mentions different stages of rank in spiritual intelligences: thrones, dominions, principalities, powers (Col.2:15; Rom.8:38; Eph.1:21; 3:10; 6:12; 1 Pet.3:22). There are different classes in the angelic hosts. Other verses in Scripture tell us that there are seraphim (Isa.6:2,6) and cherubim (Gen.3:24; Ex.25:18-20; 1 Ki.8:6-7; 2 Chron,5:7-8; Heb.9:5), and also the archangels (1 Thes.4:16; Jude 1:9). And then there are the angels who help us daily (Acts 5:19; 12:7; 27:23; Heb.1:14).
In Ephesians we learn the fact that our enemy is a spiritual enemy. Satan has a spiritual host that rebelled with him. So there are different classes of rank among our spiritual enemies, too.
#4. All things were created "for him." It is wonderful to know that all things were created by Him. But here is another truth given to us here, and a wonderful truth that affects us. We are told that we are heirs of God and joint-heirs with the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom.8:17). We have some real estate coming to us someday (Jn.14:2-3; 1 Pet.1:3-5). I think we will be very busy in eternity. We will not be earthlings then, but we will be given a new body which is free from gravity. We will be living in a city called New Jerusalem. I think that we will be able to travel through God's vast Universe, to what is now invisible to us. This is His Universe. It was made by Him, and it was made FOR Him. We are going to enter into that someday: there is an inheritance prepared for us. It does not get any better that this!
But I am sure that all of us wonder what it will be like when we are with Him in eternity. We do know that it will be wonderful. When we are absent from these old bodies down here, we will be present with the Lord (2 Cor.5:8). We will be at home with Him. All things were created by Him, and for Him.

Colossians 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (KJV)

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist . . . #5. "He is before all things." All fullness dwells in the preincarnate Christ, and all fullness dwells in the incarnate Christ. "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" (Col. 2:9). We can be made complete only in Him. He was before all things. He IS the preincarnate Christ (Jn.1:1-2). #6. "By him all things consist." JESUS holds everything together. He maintains and preserves Creation. He directs it. "Consist" means to hold together. Jesus is the glue of the Universe.

In verses 16 and 17, Four things are clearly stated:
#1. Jesus Christ is the Creator of the Universe; of ALL things visible and invisible; of ALL things that ever had a beginning, whether they exist in time or in eternity.
#2. Whatever was ever created was created For Himself.
#3. He existed before anything was created, because He is the Creator.
#4. He is the Preserver and Ruler of all things; because by Him all things consist.

For Paul to use and have understood the terms which he used, he certainly considered Jesus Christ as being truly and properly God. And since God alone can give salvation to mankind, and God alone can forgive sin; it is therefore with the strictest decency that we are commanded to believe on the Lord Jesus, with the assurance that we shall be saved (Jn.3:15-18,36; 5:24; 6:29; 8:24; Rom.10:9-10; Gal.3:22,26; Eph.2:7-9; 1 Jn.5:10-13). Glory be to God for this unspeakable gift! (Rom.6:23; Eph.2:7-9; 1 Jn.5:11-12)

Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (KJV)

And he is the head of the body, the church . . . #7. "He is the head of the body, the church." This is the key to the Letter to the Colossians, which is really a partner Letter to the Letters to the Ephesians and the Philippians. In Ephesians, the emphasis is on the fact that the church is the body of Christ down here in the world. The emphasis there was upon the body. In Colossians the emphasis is on the Head of the body, the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. In Philippians we see the church with feet, walking through the world . . . we see the experience of the church, the experience of the believer. These all are partner Letters. They parallel each other.
Who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead . . . there is only one Man who has ever been raised in a glorified body. He is the firstfruits of all them that sleep. When someone who is in Christ dies, the body sleeps, but the individual’s spirit has gone to be with the Lord (2 Cor.5:8). When Christ comes to take His church out of this world (1 Thes.4:13-18), that body shall be raised on the same basis of Jesus’ resurrection. It is sown in corruption, but it will be raised in incorruption (1 Cor.15:42). We shall be as He is.  1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (KJV)
That in all things he might have the preeminence . . . #8. "That in all things he might have the preeminence." The will of Christ shall prevail throughout all of God's Creation. That is God's plan. Even with the rebellion of man down here on earth, God says: Psalm 2:6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. (KJV) God is moving forward today, not hesitating, not compromising His goal. That goal is to put Christ Jesus on the throne of this world, which today is in utter rebellion against God. One day, it shall be! Believe it!

Colossians 1:19For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; (KJV)

For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell . . . #9. "It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell." The fulness is one of the most important words in this Letter (Col.2:9). In Philippians it was the kenosis, meaning it emphasized that Christ emptied Himself and became a servant; He emptied Himself of the glory that He had with the Father. He did NOT empty Himself of His deity . . . He was God when He came to this Earth, and He was God when he left this Earth. See: Phil.2:7.
The fulness of God, dwells in Him. He was 100 percent God! That little baby that was lying on the bosom of Mary over nineteen hundred years ago may have seemed entirely helpless, but He could have spoken this universe out of existence. He is Man of very man; He is God of very God. That is who Jesus is. Jesus IS God! http://www.hisservants.org/is_jesus_god_h_s.htm
Consider the following:
#1. Christ's relationship to the Father (verse 15)
#2. Christ's relationship to Creation (verses 16-17)
#3. Christ's relationship to the church (verses 18-19)
#4. Christ's relationship to the cross (verse 20)

See end of chapter for an extended comment verse 19-20.

Objective Work of Christ for Sinners (Colossians 1:20-23)
What has Christ done for us?

Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (KJV)

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross . . . means that by Jesus’ paying the penalty on the cross for your sin and mine, peace has been made between God and the sinner, of those who accept by faith what Jesus did on the cross. Peace with God: (Jn.3:15-18; 5:24; Rom.5:1,9;18; Eph.2:14; Phil.4:7; 2 Pet.1:2; 3:14).
Man is in a sinful state, and there is NO peace to the wicked. Isaiah 57:21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. (KJV) . . . There had to be a reconciliation made to restore peace between heaven and earth; BUT, peace could not be made without an atonement, payment, expiation. The precious Blood of Christ shed on the cross was necessary to make this atonement (1 Pet.1:18-19).
John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. (KJV) . . . God cannot tolerate sin, because He is SO holy and pure. IF we do NOT believe what Jesus says here, ye shall die in your sins! Die here means eternal death in Hell. YES! There definitely is a Hell!
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_hell_is_it_there.htm
http://www.hisservants.org/would_god_really_send_me_to_hell_h_s.htm
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_is_there_really_a_hell.htm
http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_the_soul_is_eternal.1.htm
There are different kinds of deaths:
http://www.hisservants.org/death_then_what_1.1.htm
By him to reconcile all things unto himself . . . the hostility was on the part of the creature. And although God is angry with the wicked every day (Ps.7:11), He is NEVER unwilling to be reconciled with the disobedient wrongdoer. But man, whose carnal mind is hateful and hostile to God, is naturally opposed to this reconciliation. It requires, as a result, the Blood of the cross to atone for the sin, and the influence of the Spirit to reconcile the transgressor to Him against whom he has offended (2 Cor.5:18-19).
By him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven . . . much has been said about this unclear clause. As for all fallen angels (demons), Satan and any unbelievers who reject Christ Jesus; all those presently in rebellion against God, there is absolutely NO hope for them. Whatever they believe leads only to their "trembling" (Jam.2:19). According to Jude and 2 Peter, some of them are already in eternal chains (2 Pet.2:4; Jude 1:6), and according to the Book of Revelation, their end is the lake of fire (Rev.20:15). God will NOT reconcile all things unto himself. Only by your faith in Jesus' Work on the cross, can you be reconciled to God! And you must do it in this lifetime. There is NO second chance after you die!

Colossians 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (KJV)

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind . . . all men are alienated from God, and all are enemies in their minds to Him. There is a mental alienation from God as well as a moral alienation. Many people think people are lost because they have committed some dreadful sin. People are lost because their minds are alienated, indifferent, estranged from God. I think this explains the fierce resentment toward God on the part of those who are highly educated. There is an open hatred and burning hostility toward God in the world today.
By wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled . . . the hostility of the mind reveals itself by wicked works and words.

Colossians 1:22  In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: (KJV)

In the body of his flesh through death . . . by Christ's taking on a human body, and dying for sinful man, He has made a perfect atonement for sin. Jesus paid the penalty of death for us, so that we could become reconciled to God and to each other.
To present you holy and unblameable . . . He paid the penalty, we are considered holy and unblameable in God’s eyes when we have faith in Jesus’ work on the cross. Jesus gives us His Spirit (Rom.8:9), and writes His law in our hearts, so that His love, shed abroad in our hearts, becomes the principle and motive to our every action.
And unreprovable in his sight . . . because being filled with love, joy, peace, meekness, gentleness, and goodness, against these there is no law (Gal.5:22-23). As they were called to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and their neighbor as themselves (Lk.10:27), the whole spirit and design of the law was fulfilled in them, for love is the fulfilling of the law (Rom.13:10). In his sight . . . on Judgment Day. NONE will ever enjoy Heaven who have not been reconciled to God here on Earth. Have you accepted Jesus as your Saviour? . . . . . See, The Truth About Salvation: . . . . . . http://www.godcannotlie.org/truth_about_salvation.htm

Colossians 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; (KJV)

If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled . . . means those who have already believed in Christ Jesus. They were to continue in that faith, grounded in the knowledge and love of God, and settled firm and steadfast in their salvation.
And be not moved away from the hope of the gospel . . . do NOT allow yourselves to be seduced by false teachers. The hope of the Gospel is the resurrection of the body, and the glorification of it and the soul together, in the realms of Heaven. Eternal life in Heaven with Jesus is the Gospel hope (Jn.14:2-3; Col.1:5,27; 2 Tim.4:8; Tit.1:2; 1 Pet.1:3-5).  .
Whereof I Paul am made a minister . . . the Gospel was committed to Paul to preach (Gal.1:1; 2 Cor.5:19; 1 Tim.1:11).

Individual Work of Christ for Saints (Colossians 1:24-29)

There are hardly any personal references in this Letter, until we reach the last chapter. In this detail, it really differs with the Letter to the Philippians, which is over-run with affection and references to himself. I think that the lack of personal details proves that Paul had not been to Colossae. But, here, we come to one of the very few sections which could be called personal, even though here it is Paul's office, instead of himself which is mentioned.

Colossians 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: (KJV)

Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you . . . Paul regarded himself as suffering because of his preaching to the Gentiles. His trials at Rome had come upon him because he had maintained that the wall of partition between Jews and Gentiles was broken down (Eph.2:14), and that the Gospel was to be preached extensively to all mankind.
And fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church . . . Paul was suffering in his body for the sake of Christ's body (church). This calls attention to the fact that this Letter teaches the fulness of Christ. "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" (Col.2:9). Everything is centered in Christ Jesus! He is to have superiority and supremacy in all things. The fulness of Christ: (Rom.1:10; Eph.1:10; 3:19; 4:13).
Acts 9:15-16 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. (KJV) . . . The Lord Jesus made it very clear to Ananias the reason He had saved Paul and exactly how He was going to use him. Now, Paul is writing this Letter from prison, and states what Jesus said about him, has been fulfilled. Paul indeed had suffered (2 Cor.11:23-33).
Consider: the apostle Paul does NOT say the passion of Christ, but instead the afflictions of Christ; which are common to all good men who bear a testimony against the evil ways of a wicked world. In this the apostle certainly had his share, BUT . . . in the passion of Christ he could have none. Christ Jesus alone, bore the afflictions of the cross (Mk.14:27,50; Jn.16:32), and one day He shall trod the wine press alone (Rev.19:15).
His body's sake, which is the church . . . believers, both of Jews and Gentiles, form that one body, of which Christ is the Head.

Colossians 1:25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; (KJV)

Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God . . . (Eph.3:2). The arrangement which God has made, meaning that the Gospel should be preached to the Gentiles, and, in accordance with that plan, He had called Paul to be a minister of the Gospel.
Which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God . . . the Gospel had been given to Paul for them (and us), to fully teach and spread the Word of God (Rom.15:19).

Colossians 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: (KJV)

Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations . . .  For more on mystery, see Eph.1:9; 3:9. The mystery is the great doctrine (the Gospel), that salvation was to be proclaimed to all mankind. Paul says, it had been concealed for many generations (the Old Testament), but now was made known. Therefore it was called a mystery, or a hidden truth.
But now is made manifest to his saints . . . the Gospel was communicated especially to the apostles who were appointed to proclaim it, and through them, to all the saints. Paul says that he regarded himself as especially called to make this truth known to mankind.
For more on saints, see: . . . . . . http://hisservants.org/christian_characteristics_h_s.htm
What is a mystery in Scripture? It is NOT a whodunit or a mystery story, and it is NOT something you wonder about: Was it the butler who committed the crime? A mystery in Scripture means that God is revealing something, that up to that time, He had not revealed. There are two elements which always enter into a New Testament mystery: #1. It cannot be discovered by man, for it is always a revelation from God; and #2. it is revealed at the right time and not concealed, and enough is revealed to establish the fact without all the details being disclosed.

There are fifteen mysteries in the New Testament:
#1. The mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven (Mat.13:3-50; Mk.4:11; Lk.8:10).
#2. The mystery of His will (Eph.1:9).
#3. The great mystery of Christ and His church (Eph. 5:32; Col.4:3).
#4. The mystery of the Gospel (Eph.6:19). ,
#5. The mystery of Israel's blindness during this age (Rom.11:25).
#6. The mystery of the faith (1 Tim.3:9).
#7. The mystery of the translation of living saints at the end of this age (1 Cor.15:51-52; 1 Thes.4:13-17).
#8. The mystery of the N.T. Church as one body composed of Jews and Gentiles (Eph.3:1-12; 6:19; Rom.16:25; Col.4:3).
#9. The mystery of the Church as the bride of Christ (Eph.5:23-32).
#10. The mystery of being in Christ (Gal.2:20; Col.1:26-27).
#11. The mystery of Christ as the incarnate fullness of the Godhead embodied, in whom all the divine wisdom for man subsists (1 Cor.2:7; Col.2:2,9).
#12. The mystery of godlikeness restored to man (1 Tim.3:16).
#13. The mystery of iniquity (2 Thes.2:7; Mat.13:33).
#14. The mystery of the seven stars (Rev.1:20).
#15. The mystery of the woman (Rev.17:5,7).

Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (KJV)

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory . . . the riches of the glory of this mystery is Christ in you, the hope of glory. That is the rich glory of this amazing, long-concealed truth (Rom.2:4). Riches is a favorite word with the apostle Paul, to mean that which is valuable, or that which abounds. It seems that the meaning here is, that the Truth of the Gospel was to be preached to all mankind, was a Truth abounding in glory.

Consider the riches of glory, which alone, are TRUE Riches:
1.     Riches of His grace (Col.1:14; Eph.1:7)
2.     Riches of the glory of the inheritance in the saints (Col.1:5,23; Eph.1:18)
3.     Unsearchable riches of Christ (Col.1:27; 2:1-3; Eph.3:8; Phil.4:19)
4.     Riches of glory (Col.1:27; Eph.1:7,18; 2:7; 3:8; Phil.4:19)
5.     Riches of His goodness (Col.1:27; 2:2; Eph.1:7,18; 2:4,7; 3:8; Phil.4:19; Rom.2:4)
6.     Riches of wisdom, knowledge (Col.1:27; 2:22-3; Eph.1:7; 2:7; 3:8,10,16; Rom.2:4; 9:23; 11:33)
7.     Riches in glory (Col.1:27; 3:16; Eph.1:7,18; 2:7; 3:8,16; Phil.4:19; Rom.9:23; 11:33)
8.     Riches of the glory of the mystery of Christ in you (Col.1:27; 2:23; Phil.4:19; Rom.9:23; 11:33)
9.     Riches of the full assurance of understanding of God's mystery (Col.1:24,29; 2:2; 4:12)
10.   Rebuke of Christ (suffering for His sake), greater riches than in Egypt (Acts 5:41; 2 Cor.12:10; Heb.11:26; 1 Pet.1:11; 4:14)
Christ in you, is your only hope of glory!

Fourteen Facts about Christ: 
1. He is Head of the Kingdom (Col.1:13; Rev.20)
2. He is the only Redeemer (Col.1:14; Mat.26:28; Gal.4:5)
3. He is the Image of the invisible God (Col.1:15)
4. He is the Firstborn of every creature (Col.1:16)
5. He is the Creator of ALL things (Col.1:16)
6. He is an eternal Being (Col.1:17; Jn.1:1-2; Mic.5:2)
7. Only He can uphold and preserve all things (Col.1:17; Heb.1:3)
8. He is the Head of the church (Col.1:18; Eph.5)
9. He has preeminence over all things (Col.1:18)  
10. He was the Firstborn from the dead (Col.1:18)
11. In Him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily (Col.1:19; 2:9)
12. He is the Mediator between God and man (Col.1:20-22; 2 Cor.5:13-21; 1 Tim.2:4-6)
13. He indwells all TRUE saints (Col.1:27; Rom.8:9)
14. He loves us more than anyone else ever could (Jn.10:15,18; 15:13)

The very moment you sincerely put your trust in Christ Jesus, the Holy Spirit baptizes you and puts you in the body of believers (1 Cor.12:13; Jn.6:63; 7:37-39). Baptism by the Holy Spirit makes us God’s child (Jn.1:12-13; 3:3-8), and places us into the body of Christ (the church). We have something remarkable ahead of us (Jn.3:16; 14:2-3; 1 Pet.1:3-5), that unbelievers do not, nor cannot have! 

Colossians 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: (KJV)

Whom we preach . . . the Subject of Paul’s preaching was Christ, in whom He ALONE, the hope of glory was to be had (Jn.14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Cor.2:2; Gal.5:4; 1 Jn.1:3).
Warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom . . . Paul’s way of preaching was by reproving, rebuking, warning and instructing all, in all the Christian wisdom that Christ required, that they might avoid sin and do their duty. I am sad to say that the vast majority of preachers today do NOT preach as Paul did! They are afraid to reprove, rebuke and warn people of the results of disobedience to God, which is Hell (Rev.20:15). Most pastors today preach love and peace. Period! YES!!! God is a God of Love (1 Jn.4:8). But my dear friend, God is also a God of wrath (Eph.5:6; Col.3:6). There are 80 times that God’s wrath is mentioned in the Bible, 35 of these in the New Testament. God has TWO sides! Love and hate! God HATES sin! And IF you disobey Him and continue in sin, His wrath shall come down hard on you. . . . . See Hell: http://www.hisservants.org/is_there_a_hell_h_s.htm
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (KJV)
John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. (KJV)
1 John 5:10-13 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (KJV)

BUT . . . John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (KJV) . . . See: Commentary.

I love the above verse. Hath everlasting life . . .  the state of man by nature is represented as death in sin (Eph.2:1). Faith in Jesus is the opposite of this . . . it is LIFE . . . everlasting life! HATH = have it NOW! When a person is converted, it is said that he HAS everlasting life; NOT just shall have, but is already in possession of that life or happiness which shall never end. It is our new life begun, for we have already entered into our inheritance (1 Pet.1:4-5), which is everlasting.
Inheritance: (1 Pet.1:4-5; 3:9; Mat.25:34; Acts 20:32; 26:18; Gal.3:18;m Eph.1:11,14,18; Col.1:12; Heb.9:15).
Incorruptible: (1 Cor.9:25; 15:52-54).  Undefiled: (Rev.21:27) Fadeth not away: (1 Pet.5:4; Isa.40:7-8; Eze.47:12; Jam.1:11) Reserved: (ps.31:19; Col.1:5; 3:3-4; 2 Tim.4:8).
HATH eternal life: (Jn.5:24; 3:16-18,36; 6:40,47; 8:51; 11:26; 12:44; 20:31; Mk.16:16; Rom.10:11-13; 1 Pet.1:21; 1 Jn.5:10-13).
NO condemnation: (Jn.3:17-18; 10:27-30; Rom.8:1,16-17, 28-30, 33-34; 1 Thes.5:9; 2 Thes.2:13-14; 1 Pet.1:5).
 
That we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus . . . Paul’s goal was the same as Christ's, (verse 22), which was to put them into such a place by their labors that they might, through Christ, appear at the throne of grace without error (2 Cor.11:2; Phil.3:12; Heb.5:14). Present every man perfect in Christ Jesus . . . perfect means complete or mature. This is the goal of the teaching of the Word of God.

Colossians 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. (KJV)

Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily . . . striving means determined, struggling, to agonize. Paul gives his personal testimony: "This is why I am laboring, why I am striving." Paul taxed all his strength to accomplish this, just as the competitors made every attempt to do their best in the Grecian games. According to his working . . . not by Paul’s own strength, but by the power which God alone can give. 1 Cor.15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. (KJV)
This should be the attitude of everyone today who is working for Christ; that He would work greatly in us to do two things: #1. To get out the Gospel that men might be saved and, #2. To build them up in their faith.

Universalism???
Col. 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.  (KJV) . . . Does this Passage teach that all people will be saved (universalism)? Does it teach that even the fallen angels, even Satan himself, will be reconciled to God? I say an absolute NO!

Much of Colossians, parallels Ephesians and Philippians. We do find a parallel idea to this hard saying in: Eph. 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: (KJV)
And a parallel Passage in: Phil. 2:10-11 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (KJV) . . . But, this does NOT give us an answer to the question: In what way will "all things" be brought under Christ?
What we need to see in Phil.2:10-11 is that the "bowing" and "confessing" is NOT something that loving subjects would do. I think this is speaking of the Supreme Ruler (Psalm 2), NOT a loving Lord and Master. On Judgment Day, anyone who has not willingly bowed (humbly adored and accepted) and confessed (willingly admitted and declared) Jesus as Lord and Saviour of their life, shall without question admit He is Lord, the Ruler of the Universe!
Consider this: Every tongue shall "confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" does NOT mean that every tongue will confess Him as Saviour. At the Judgment, it will be TOO LATE to confess Him as Saviour. I think that even in Hell they SHALL recognize the Lordship of Jesus, and I think that will increase their agony. . . . See: Phil.2:10-11.

God has appointed Christ the Head of all things. There are two ways a person can relate to this King. #1. You can believe God (1 Jn.5:10-13), accept the Gospel and submit (cooperate voluntarily) to Him NOW, receiving His forgiveness for past wicked rebellion and enter into a state not just of reconciliation, but exaltation alongside Christ. #2. The other way to relate to this King is to continue in your hostile rebellion against God, and refuse to accept the Gospel.

IF you choose the second way, you shall be forced to submit to Christ when His rule in His Kingdom is fully revealed . . . BUT that submission will just be a prelude to receiving the utter punishment of a conquered enemy. John 8:24  I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. (KJV) . . . This means eternal death in Hell! Different deaths: http://www.hisservants.org/death_then_what_1.1.htm

My dear friend, Universalism is a damnable heresy (2 Pet.2:1). NOT everyone will go to Heaven. It shall be just the opposite, most will go to Hell (Mat.7:12-13). As for all fallen angels (demons), and Satan, there is absolutely NO hope for them. Whatever they believe leads only to their "trembling" (Jam.2:19). According to Jude and 2 Peter, some of them are already in eternal chains, and according to the Book of Revelation, their end is the lake of fire (Rev.20:15). And any unbelievers who reject Christ Jesus, and all those presently in rebellion against God, unless they change their minds in their life time, they too are doomed.

Paul is NOT teaching Universalism. He is in perfect agreement with the rest of the New Testament. Christ Jesus shall rule over the whole world and ALL beings in it, human or spiritual. Paul is absolutely certain that in Christ, God has made possible the reconciliation of humanity to himself. In Christ: (Eph.1:1,3,10,12; 2:6,10,13; 3:6,11; Phil.1:1,13; 2:1,5; 3:3,14; 4:21; Col.1:2,4,28)
The Bible teaches that only those who by faith commit themselves to Christ, in this lifetime, will be reconciled to God. There is NO Purgatory! You must make your decision while you live here on Earth!
False doctrines: http://www.hisservants.org/catholics_h_s.htm
http://www.hisservants.org/f_pluralism_universalism.htm

I would like to make a comment here. The word submit is one that many people do not like. They simply do not like the idea of submitting (giving in, succumbing, surrendering, yielding, conceding) to anyone! Here in Ephesians, we have this word, and it is something that a TRUE child of God MUST do, whether you like it or not. Consider this: IF you do not willingly and lovingly submit to God, there is a great danger that you are not saved, that you are not a TRUE child of God. Consider that submit means to cooperate voluntarily. See our article on Submission:. http://hisservants.org/submission_and_servanthood_h_s.htm

Colossians

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