Colossians 1.14 “In whom we have redemption through his blood…”

Colossians 1.14 “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”In the Charlie Brown adventures Pigpen was always getting dirty, and it was self appointed Lucy’s job to tell him so. No matter how hard Pigpen tried to keep clean, he was like a magnite to dirt. This verse is the hope for the “Pigpen” inside of us that just can’t seem to walk the line straight enough. The power of this verse is found in understanding the selection of the words. In Greek there are minute differences among a “family” of words. The words that are not selected are almost as telling as the words used.

Let’s start with the word “In.” There are three “In’s” in Greek, “eis” meaning into or unto, “ek” meaning out of or from, and “en,” which is the one used, meaning to remain in place with the primary idea of rest. Which the implication of that is freeing. How many of us strive and give effort to show God, or prove to Him that we are good enough, worthy of His attention? I know I did in my early years of faith. There is a major difference in “working out” your salvation, verses “working for” your salvation. According to this verse and several like it, the working for has been done for me, now I practice my faith to “work out” what has been put in.

The next word “have.” Our general use of the word would be ” do you have…, I have it, or do I have your attention, would be common examples.  This “have,” implies a continued possession, e.g., “to have and to hold.” A phase we often hear at weddings. In context it refers to the assured ness of God ‘s salvation for us. The “earning of salvation” as mentioned is not for us to do, it is not dependent upon us, “… it is through his blood,” something that I will explain next week.

The word ” redemption ” is one of the “million dollar”  words in this verse. The picture dates back to ancient civilizations when men, women and children were sold as slaves. Often in debt to a rich ruler who could sell them to recoup his debt. Auctioned off just as cattle or livestock. As a slave you had no rights. If your master was less than sympathetic, life was hard. Therefore redemption, or to be redeemed implies that the debt you owed and could not pay, was paid for you. That you were once in bondage having no rights, but now have the legal right to live as a free man or woman.

We don’t have time this week to develop this thought further, but I will leave you with questions to consider. We should ask, what was paid, what is my bondage or indebted ness, and what freedom have I to gain ? These are all critical questions to ask, and there answers even more important to understand. Next week we will discuss them and the following week make application. I may run a bit long as we discuss these questions, but to grasp and understand the answers is the foundation of Christianity, and freedoms door.

Prayer
Father God,
Freedom and bondage while living in a ” free” country is a little hard to understand. Yet I understand the struggle to do right. The good that I want to do but don’t, as frustrations and misunderstandings get in the way, cause me only regret and grief afterwards. This much I understand. If through your ” redemption” I can find a better way, help me to open up my heart and mind.  Thank you and Amen.

Until next week – Dios lo bendiga (may God bless you)