"Knowing the Grace of GOD in Truth"

 

Colossians 1:1-6 "Paul, an Apostle of JESUS CHRIST by the will of GOD, and Timothy our brother, to the saints and faithful brethren in CHRIST which are at Colosse; Grace be unto you, and peace, from GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. We give thanks to GOD and the FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in CHRIST JESUS, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, for the hope which is laid up for you in Heaven, whereof ye heard before in the WORD of the truth of the Gospel; which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and brings forth fruit, as it does also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of GOD in truth:"

     The word grace is one of the most wonderful terms in the Bible. It simply means "undeserved favor or benefit." Usually it identifies a particular relationship between a holy GOD and sinful man. Today's text explains that grace comes "from GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST" (v.2) and that it is especially identified with salvation (vv. 5-6). Apart from grace, we would be without CHRIST, without GOD, and without hope (Ephesians 2:12 pictured above). However, because of GOD's grace, salvation is available through faith in the person and work of JESUS CHRIST, who died for us and rose again.

     The saints at Colosse had become children of GOD by HIS grace through faith, and their public testimony bore witness to this glorious fact (v.4). It was their hearing and believing the truth of the Gospel that made the difference in their lives (vv.4-5). The preaching of the true Gospel brings forth spiritual fruit (v.6), and we must remember that the Gospel is still "the power of GOD unto salvation to every one that believes" (Romans 1:16 pictured above). No other so-called gospel is true (Galatians 1:6-9) - and no other gospel will do (Acts 4:12) !

     The believers in the early church at Colosse and elsewhere suffered much for their faith. But GOD's grace not only saved them, it also sustained them. Through the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, the Apostle Paul addressed these saints as "faithful brethren in CHRIST" (v.2). They manifested GOD's grace through their faithfulness to HIM even in the midst of great hardship. The true grace of GOD that brings salvation teaches the Christian to "live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Titus 2:11-12). May the LORD enable us to do just that as we live and walk according to HIS great grace ! MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org