Topical Encyclopedia
The Epistle to the Colossians, authored by the Apostle Paul, provides a profound exploration of faith in Christ, emphasizing its centrality to the Christian life. Written to the church in Colossae, this letter addresses the supremacy of Christ and the sufficiency of faith in Him, countering false teachings that threatened to undermine the believers' understanding and practice of their faith.
Faith as the Foundation of the Christian LifeIn Colossians, faith in Christ is presented as the foundation upon which the entire Christian life is built. Paul commends the Colossians for their faith, which is evident in their love for all the saints and their hope laid up in heaven. He writes, "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all the saints" (
Colossians 1:3-4). This faith is not merely intellectual assent but a living trust that manifests in love and hope.
The Object of Faith: The Supremacy of ChristCentral to the Colossians' faith is the recognition of Christ's supremacy. Paul emphasizes that Christ is the image of the invisible God and the firstborn over all creation (
Colossians 1:15). He further declares, "For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him" (
Colossians 1:16). This underscores that faith in Christ is faith in the One who is preeminent in all things, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.
Faith and the Fullness of Life in ChristPaul warns the Colossians against being led astray by hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ (
Colossians 2:8). He assures them that in Christ, they have been brought to fullness, for "in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form" (
Colossians 2:9). Faith in Christ, therefore, is not only the means of salvation but also the source of spiritual fullness and maturity.
Faith and the New Life in ChristThe transformative power of faith in Christ is further highlighted in the believer's new life. Paul exhorts the Colossians to set their hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God, and to put to death whatever belongs to their earthly nature (
Colossians 3:1-5). This new life is characterized by virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, which are the fruit of a faith that is deeply rooted in Christ.
Faith and the Community of BelieversFaith in Christ also shapes the community of believers. Paul encourages the Colossians to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts and to be thankful, teaching and admonishing one another with wisdom through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (
Colossians 3:15-16). This communal aspect of faith underscores the importance of mutual edification and unity in the body of Christ.
In summary, the Epistle to the Colossians presents faith in Christ as the cornerstone of the Christian life, emphasizing His supremacy, the fullness of life found in Him, the transformative power of faith, and the communal expression of this faith within the body of believers.
Nave's Topical Index
Colossians 1:2,4To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
Faith in Christ
... of Christ, we turn to Paul's Epistle to the Colossians. ... we wish the fullest dissertation
upon Christ's work as a ... prove that men are justified by faith, and not ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/faith in christ.htm
Trinity Sunday the Article of Faith on the Trinity.
... nothing else avails before him but faith in the crucified Christ, his Son; and that
in such faith we must ... In this Christ, says Saint Paul (Colossians 2, 3 ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/trinity sunday the article of.htm
The Opinion of the Apostles on Veiling the Mysteries of the Faith.
... instruction of the perfect, of which, writing to the Colossians, he says ... glory of
the mystery in the Gentiles," which is faith and hope in Christ; which in ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter x the opinion of the.htm
Colossians i. 26-28
... Colossians i.26-28 ... but instead he has ended with praise, "Joying and beholding your
order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ." "Your order," he ...
/.../homily v colossians i 26-28.htm
Thanks to God for Your Faith.
... For I have observed that ye are perfected in an immoveable faith, as if ye were ...
[978] ie, the cross, "fruit" being put for Christ on the ... [980] Colossians 1:15. ...
/.../the epistle of ignatius to the smyrnaeans/chapter i thanks to god for.htm
Statement of Faith.
... Statement of Faith. ... took from the undefiled Virgin Mary our humanity (anthropon),
Christ Jesus, whom ... all things created, and He is before all' (Colossians 1:16 ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/statement of faith.htm
The Author Distinguishes the Faith from the Errors of Pagans...
... Now this is the declaration of our Faith, that we ... 9. Moreover, Christ Himself saith:
"I and the Father are ... Corinthians 8:6; Philippians 2:6-8; Colossians 1:15 ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter i the author distinguishes.htm
The Christian Faith
... Wherever this gospel of Jesus Christ is preached and men under ... 8:5-7; Romans
8:1-10; Colossians 1:27 ... Essential Elements."In the Christian faith there are six ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study v the christian faith.htm
Faith and Acceptance
... people of their diseases when they had faith in His ... apostle says, "As ye have therefore
received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him." Colossians 2:6. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 6 faith and acceptance.htm
Faith
... Colossians 2:22. What is justifying faith? I shall show, (1.) What it is not.
It is not a bare acknowledgment that Christ is a Saviour. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 faith.htm
Resources
Why do so many people struggle with a lack of faith? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I overcome the fact that I am struggling with faith? | GotQuestions.orgWhere does faith come from? | GotQuestions.orgFaith: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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