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Daily Devotions

Colossians

Colossians 
Day 
Day 23

True Salvation

Text: Colossians 1:23

The ramifications of Christ’s atonement are truly astounding! Is there a possibility that some may abuse this teaching? Is it possible for some to declare that they believe in Christ’s atonement and then remain in the state of sin? Paul’s answer is found in the following text.

“If indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and
steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope
of the gospel which you heard, which was preached
to every creature under heaven, of which, I, Paul,
became a minister.”
Colossians 1:23

1. “If”

a) This particle (Greek “ei”) introduces a conditional statement.
b) However this word does not indicate doubt or uncertainty.
c) This word assumes fact or reality.

2. “If indeed”

a) This particle (Greek “ge” is used to heighten emphasis).
b) Hence it is translated correctly as “indeed”.

3. “Continue”

a) The word “continue” may be understood in this way:-
i) It is the same root word that Jesus used when He taught them about abiding in Him (John 15:4-7).
ii) It may be translated as “abide” or “continue”.
iii) The word Paul employed here is a compound word where the idea of abiding is intensified.
b) Paul assumes:-
i) That the person who has been truly saved will continue to abide in the Saviour.
ii) That it is unthinkable not to continue in Christ after so much knowledge has been revealed.

4. “In the faith”

a) This is a reference to the faith mentioned earlier (Colossians 1:4).
i) It is a faith in Christ Jesus.
ii) It is a faith that produces the fruit of the Spirit- Love.
b) The faith

If this faith is indeed true indeed, then the believer will desire to abide in Christ!