Beyond its significance for the new believer, baptism is a powerful reminder of the gospel for the entire church, strengthening the faith of believers, confronting the hypocrisy of nominal believers, and inviting non-believers to trust in Jesus. Colossians 1:21-23 lays out two essential elements of the ‘good news’:
- Apart from Jesus we are separated from God.
- Jesus reconciles those who believe in him.
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. (ESV)
Discussion Starters
- Read Colossians 1:21-23 together.
- What was the former condition of the Colossians? What does it mean to be “alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds”? What other scriptures describe the human condition apart from Christ?
- How did your life prior to salvation resemble the Colossian’s pre-salvation condition?
- What is the current condition of the Colossians? What does it mean to be “holy and blameless and above reproach”? What other scriptures describe the believers condition in Christ?
- Do you consider yourself “holy and blameless and above reproach”? Why or why not?
- Upon what condition would they be presented holy and blameless and above reproach? Does this mean one can lose his or her salvation? Why or why not (back up your answer with scripture)?
- What is the most important take-away for you from this passage?
- Pray together.
