Sunday, September 2, 2018

Grace and Peace with Meaning

Colossians 1:1-2    
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,   2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul begins this letter like others with who he is by Christ’s authority and calling, and adds Timothy as one working alongside who is involved in this work of the gospel.  They address the saints, the elect and called out who make up God’s church in Christ who are in the city of Colossae, now in western Turkey.  The greeting of grace and peace from God and the Lord Jesus Christ are no mere words of formality, but deep and heartfelt desires for God’s peace to reign in their hearts by the immeasurable grace obtained in Christ by his death and resurrection for their death to a new life by imparted justification.  They will see again how Christ holds all together as God’s word who made all things.  This is no trivial greeting, but one to stop and dwell upon. 

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