Chapter I

Verses four through eight: In this passage we find the Word of God exalted as it always should be. In verse 4 is mentioned FAITH in Jesus Christ, meaning belief in His Word (Rom. 10:17). Faith in Jesus refers to believing that what He said (Genesis to Revelation) is Truth which was given to Him by God the Father (Jn. 17:17). Hope is a vital part of God’s  Truth/Word/gospel. Verse 5 tells us that the saints’ HOPE is laid up for them in heaven. Many have taken this passage to mean that the next life will be lived in heaven. See Life After Death for the truth concerning the next life. We now have HOPE of salvation (1 Thes. 5:8), salvation being the “inheritance of the saints.” That inheritance will arrive with Jesus upon His return to earth to set up His Father’s kingdom where His saints will live, rule and reign with Him over the earth. See The Kingdom of God. An illustration will help to dispel the notion that saints will go to heaven to receive their inheritance/salvation. I might have a rich relative living in Chicago who has willed me a fortune upon my reaching a certain age. That does not mean that I must move to Chicago in order to receive my promised inheritance. As stated, salvation is a future event which Bible students have “heard before in the WORD of the TRUTH of the GOSPEL. Note that hope, Truth and gospel are involved in salvation. Verse 6 tells us that God’s Truth reveals His GRACE. In summary, the saint’s hope for salvation is found in the Truth of the gospel and nowhere else. In verse 6 we are told that only by producing the FRUIT of that TRUTH can we be saved. Fruit always refers to obedience to God’s Word/Truth/gospel.

Verses nine through twelve: The Apostle Paul writes that the apostles were praying that the Colossian church might be “filled with the knowledge of His (God’s) will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” so that they would be worthy of Jesus, fully pleasing Him by being fruitful in every good work while continually increasing in the knowledge of God. This passage alone should dispel the idea that faith and church attendance are all one needs to inherit salvation, and that salvation is awarded in this life. Spiritual growth is commanded. Just as we do not have children doing adult work, neither will adult spiritual babes enter into the Kingdom of God. Numerous Scriptures dictate spiritual growth (Isa. 28:9,10/Heb. 6:1,2; 5:11-14). Verses 11,12 reveal the results of diligent Bible study and faith in God’s Truth. Such results include being strengthened with all of God’s power, having patience and longsuffering when persecution comes; being able to thank God for the privilege of suffering for Him, all of which will qualify us for the inheritance–eternal life. L.J.