English

  It is the putting off of the body of the flesh and the circumcision of Christ.   Colossians 2:1 – 4: "For I want you to know what a great struggle (*agona*) I have for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not seen my face in the flesh (*sarki*), that their hearts may be encouraged (*paraklesin*), being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge (*epignosin*) of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom (*en ho*) are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments (*pithanologia*)." *Agona* ( ἀ γ ῶ να ) signifies a struggle or conflict. Paul is engaged in a struggle — a struggle concerning you (the Colossians), those in Laodicea, and those who have not seen his face in the flesh. Regarding the phrase "those who have not seen my face in the flesh," the word "flesh" (*sarki*) refers to the various desires ...

  To present every person perfect in Christ.   Colossians 1:21 – 23: "Once (*pote*) you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ ’ s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation — if you continue in your faith (*te pistei*), established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that was proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a servant." The word *pote* ( ποτε ) signifies a specific time in the past; an example of its usage can be found in Hebrews 1:5: "For to which of the angels did God ever say, 'You are my Son; today I have become your Father' (*pote*)? Or again, 'I will be his Father, and he will be my Son'?" Therefore, the phrase "once" (or "formerly") does not refer to a time within this world, but rather...

  2. We must discover the redemptive-historical significance within the Old Testament.   (1) Salvation Begins with Faith in God's Covenant   Ordinary people view Christians through the same lens as Buddhism. Consequently, they assume that Christians are exemplary and morally praiseworthy. When Christians engage in wrongful behavior, people respond with cynicism, saying, "Those are the ones who call themselves Christians." While this is not entirely wrong, it is not entirely right either, as Christianity deals with the issue of sin against God, not with dictating how one should live in the world. Nevertheless, immoral Christians inevitably face criticism because ordinary people view them through the lens of moral ethics. Furthermore, there are many who scoff, asking, "You have to live a good life in this world to go to heaven; does it make sense to say that simply believing in Jesus leads to heaven?" However, it seems that people think this way regard...

  He existed before all things, and in Him all things hold together.   Colossians 1:16 – 17: "For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." It states that Christ created all things (the world). Everything in heaven and on earth was made by Christ. Everything on earth — thrones, sovereignties, rulers, and authorities — was created by Christ, and it is He who grants them their authority. This explains the principle by which God grants dominion over the world to Satan. However, the word translated as "heaven" — *tois ouranois* ( το ῖς ο ὐ ρανο ῖς ) — is in the plural form ("heavens"). The plural "heavens" with the definite article signifies the Kingdom of God dwelling within the hearts of the saints. This demonstrates that all things move in...