The Purpose and Application of His Work, Col 1:21-23
(21) And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, (22) yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach — (23) if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister. (1:21-23) While the gospel message guarantees eternal life to believers, it is not without ramifications and responsibilities for believers here in this life. God’s purpose is not just to bring us into an eternal relationship with Himself in the eternal future, but into a vital, life transforming fellowship in this life. God is interested in producing a ‘holy people’ who represent Him to the world as ambassadors who live as aliens or sojourners in our present world. However, as with the promise of eternal life, this life-...