CLAIM: Paul writes that we were formerly alienated from God (v.21), but now, we have been reconciled to God. However, he then adds the caveat “if indeed you continue in the faith” (v.23). Does this mean that Christians can lose their salvation, if they don’t continue in the faith?
RESPONSE: There are two major ways of understanding this passage:
Problem: Paul writes that Jesus’ death will “reconcile all things to Himself” (v.20). Universalists argue that this implies that God will save all people in the end.
Problem: The Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians, “For it was the Father’s good pleasure … through Him [Christ] to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven” (Col. 1:19–20, nasb). If Paul says that all things are reconciled to Christ by His death and resurrection, this seems to imply that all people are saved. But other Scriptures declare that many will be lost (e.g., Matt. 7:13–14; 25:41; Rev. 20:11–15).
Problem: John declared Christ to be eternal and equal with God (John 1:1; 8:58; 20:28). But here Paul seems to say that Christ was only a creature, the first one born (created) in the universe.
Problem: Colossians 1:16 states, “For by Him all things were created… all things have been created through Him and for Him.” However, the Jehovah’s Witness New World Translation (NWT) renders this passage as, “By means of him all other things were created” (Col. 1:16 NWT). If all things were created by Christ, then this would be an excellent passage in support of the deity of Christ (which Jehovah’s Witnesses deny). What does the text say?
Problem: Is Jesus or God the creator of all things?
Problem: Paul writes that Christ was the “firstborn of all creation.” Some cultists argue that this means Christ was a created being—a demigod, angel, or some other created being. Is this the case?
Problem: KJV Only advocates argue that modern translations have removed the blood of Christ from their translations—specifically here in Colossians 1:14. The KJV reads: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” Other translations—like the NASB or NIV—omit these words. Why? Continue reading →
Problem: According to this passage, “The Lord is at hand” (cf. 1 Peter 4:7). However, other passages portray Christ’s coming as not being immediate, but as having intervening events. “For that Day will not come,” writes Paul, “unless the falling away comes first” (2 Thes. 2:3).
Problem: Paul commands us here to “Rejoice in the Lord always,” but Jesus insisted that “Blessed are those who mourn” (Matt. 5:4).