Qualified By Grace

Colossians 1:12-14

After Paul writes of the Christian walk, he turns his attention to the work of Christ that has brought us our salvation.  Just one word carries a wealth of meaning. 

A failure to remember what it is like to be “lost” can lead to a failure to give thanks for being “saved”.

Deep gratitude for our salvation rises for believers such as this when they consider the cost of salvation regardless of the depth of the sin.

The Status of the Natural Man

·       Separated from God by sin because of the nature of God.
Romans 3:23

Man is not separated from God because of God’s choice but because of His holiness.

·       Susceptible to the wrath of God. Romans 1:18

• Controlled by the "domain of darkness" - blinded by sin and unable to receive truth.  Ephesians 2:1-2
• Condemned to eternal death Romans 6:23; Romans 5:12

For a person to be saved:

·       The penalty of sin must be paid in death.

·       The sins of that person must be forgiven. 

·       The justice of God must be rendered consistent.

·       The righteousness of God must be delivered to the unrighteous.

·       The nature of that person must be converted to a spiritual nature.

The Elements of the Atonement (at-one-ment)

·       Justification - Making it "just-as-if-I’d" never sinned

This is not forgiveness.

·       Substitution – He took my place  2 Corinthians 5:21

Being redeemed needs a redeemer who can pay the price demanded.  Christ is our Redeemer!

The requirement for payment for sin does not issue from God’s wrath against man but His perfect justice and holy nature.

·       Adoption – We are family

We are chosen!  2 Thessalonians 2:13

·       Glorification - We shall be like Him