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2. We must discover the redemptive-historical significance within the Old Testament. (1) Salvation Begins with Faith in God's Covenant

  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...
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He existed before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

  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...
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Christ Is the Image of God

  Christ Is the Image of God   Colossians 1:15 states, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation." 2 Corinthians 4:4 also speaks of the image of God: "In their case, the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." God created the first man to manifest Himself in the likeness (image) of a sinner. The first man is the image of God. God is a Being without form; "image" here signifies a body, akin to a garment. For God to "wear a body" means He came clothed in a physical body. The first man came into existence when God Himself entered the dust and became a human being, in order to impart a body of sin to mankind. The first man was created in the image of God, yet he possesses a body of sin. Thus, it is Jesus who came in the flesh to break the chains of that body of sin. Both the first man and Jesus repr...
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We have obtained redemption, that is, the forgiveness of sins.

  We have obtained redemption, that is, the forgiveness of sins.   Colossians 1:13 – 14: "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." In the phrase "redemption, that is, the forgiveness of sins," the word "that is" (or "namely") does not imply that redemption and the forgiveness of sins are synonymous; rather, it suggests a sequence — meaning that redemption must occur first for the forgiveness of sins to be received. Here, "redemption" refers to the concept of "atonement" (or "covering") found in Leviticus 4:20: "He shall do with this bull just as he did with the bull for the sin offering, and the priest shall make atonement for the congregation, and they shall be forgiven." When describing the five types of sacrifices, the text invariably concludes with the phrase "make atonement.....
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Bearing fruit in every good work

  Bearing fruit in every good work   Colossians 1:1 – 3: "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the saints in Colossae, the faithful brothers in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father. We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you." The word *Theou* (God) appearing without an article here refers to Christ. *Dia* ( δι ὰ ) means "through." Thus, it signifies "through the will of Christ." This defines what an apostle is: one who is aligned with the will of Christ. Ultimately, Christ's will is the proclamation of the Gospel. "Saints" refers to those who are in Christ. Paul had heard about the members of the Colossian church; as a church established by laypeople, it lacked a firmly established identity regarding the faith and faced frequent attacks from heretics. Consequently, Paul prays that they may attain a complete and mature faith. Colossians 1:4...
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