The Resurrection of our Lord: Epistle, Colossians 3:1-4              

Colossians 3:1-4

How marvelous are these inspired words given to us by Paul. And of course they are not just Paul’s words. “If then you were raised with Christ …”. This is the trailing portion of what Paul assumes in the chapter preceding where he writes, “Therefore, if you died with Christ …” (2:20).

Not all Christians will agree with my next statement, but Paul can know whether those to whom he writes have been crucified and raised with Christ. Because Paul doesn’t equate those realities to our effort or our choosing of Jesus. Just as surely as Jesus has died and been raised, so have we. And that in our baptism. Jesus has given us an objective event and Romans chapter six (cf. Romans 6:1-11) gives such a clear explanation that one would need to run from that clarity to establish another way of knowing those important truths.

God did not leave the redeeming work of His Son to ambiguity. He made a clear declaration when His dear Son breathed His last on the cruel cross. Neither did God leave the triumph of resurrection to the emotional whims and desires of sorrowful men and women who had put all their hopes in the traveling Rabbi. No! God clearly marked the resurrection of His Son with a stone removed and an empty tomb.

Paul writes to the Colossians in Christ who have entered into life eternal through water and the Word (sounds like Scripture, doesn’t it?) and the faith given to them there. For baptism into the realities of our salvation is not a work we perform, but reception of the good gifts of God from His hand. “And what do you have that you have not received?” says our apostle in another place, (1 Corinthians 4:7). I have received Jesus’ death and resurrection. I do not procure them of my own doing, nor do I keep them by effort. For in the joy of receiving there is rest.

My joy and sure hope in being crucified and raised with Him is that I have been crucified and raised by Him. God be praised!