1 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. 6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
Vs. 1 The Apostle Paul's begins by mentioning his great conflict (or struggle) on behalf of the brethren at Colossae and those in Laodicea was not an exaggeration. The word he uses here indicates being involved in an intense struggle, often against strong and determined opposition, and thus requiring exerting all of ones energies (both physical and mental) in doing so. In early times it was used of those competing in the stadium for the prize; in the Christian context it is used of each and every believers fighting and striving for the Kingdom of God (consider Luke 13:24; 1 Tim 6:12; 2 Tim 4:7; Heb 12:1). Now of course this is not something that one does in their own strength, but as the Apostle Paul says of his own striving for the gospel, in the power and strength of the Lord Jesus Christ (see Col. 1:29). And so here the Apostle Paul declares his own great conflict for all the brethren at Collisee and Laodicea and the surrounding region, who had not seen him face to face. For Paul though having not yet personally met many of these brethren; for he himself was currently imprisoned; could not but have his heart torn wide open by what he was hearing about them all. For the false teachers and their gnostic doctrines were rapidly infiltrating the churches there and thus distorting of the Gospel of Christ; making acquiring their "secret knowledge" and or observing their ascetic rules and man-made rituals the means of salvation, rather than having all of ones faith in the Living Lord Jesus Christ. And so here Paul takes the word and applies it to his own great conflict for them all, a fight which he is waging on their behalf in prayer. For he knows what is at stake if the gnostic doctrines take root amongst them. Not only will they steal away their soundness of faith; and or rob them of their Christian liberties; but also such doctrines will destroy their unity as brethren.
Vs. 2-3 Therefore the Apostle Paul's exhortations and prayer for them all is so that their "that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
There's a lot there so maybe it's best to break Paul's statement into some manageable phrases. First then "that their hearts may be encouraged." Obviously Paul wants the brethren their to stand fast in their faith as they have received it, and thus be encouraged by what Paul has written to them to further their understanding and growth in their faith, but he also wants them to be encouraged by his prayers and love and concern for them all.
"being knit together in love" Not only does the Apostle Paul want them to be individually encouraged, but he desires that they all are knit together in love. The verb he uses here (translated knit) here means to be united or held together by love. Thus controversy within an assembly is not a time for discord and disunity (though there will be factions, so that those who are approved may be recognized, 1 Cor 11:19) but rather controversy within a congregation is a time for drawing closer to the Lord, His truth, and each other. For once sound doctrine is established or re-established, love is always the hallmark of genuine Christian faith and unity.
Having exhorted then that their hearts be knit together in love. The Apostle Paul goes on and says he wants them all "...attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ"
Full assurance in the original is actually one word meaning "supreme fullness." In this context it denotes the superabundance of the knowledge of God that is epitomized in Christ as the one in whom God actively reveals himself, and through whom He exclusively works salvation in the heavens and in the earth. For in attaining "to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ" a believer becomes more and more convinced of the realities and riches of God's Person and His salvation for them In Christ. For it is in God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son that all the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found. And so if the false teachers thought they could seduce the believers minds with their so called secret knowledge and "spiritual insights" the Apostle Paul lays that all to rest. For only in the Scriptures, is God's Holy Word and Wisdom, all which point one to the Lord Jesus Christ who is the Divine Person of this, and who being One with God always declares His truth. And so too look elsewhere for knowledge of God; either of the Father or of the Son is only looking to be deceived. Now it has been duly noted in the Believers Bible commentary that: "The expression full assurance is used three times in the NT. (1) Full assurance of faith—we rest on God’s word, His testimony to us (Heb. 10:22). (2) Full assurance of understanding—we know and are assured (Col. 2:2). (3) Full assurance of hope—we press on with confidence as to the outcome (Heb. 6:11)."
Vs. 4 "Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words."
The Apostle Paul's warning in verse four is that one who is not grounded in the truth can be swayed away from the truth through persuasive words. For every cult always has it's charismatic speakers and language and powerful personalities forwarding it, who watch out for lost and wandering and starving souls like birds of prey (consider Prov 27:7) . Now the word Paul uses here to describe their skill at this (translated persuasive words) appears only here in the N.T. It means to deceive someone through skillfully presented and plausible arguments; that is they make their case through the cunning use of words and reasoning's, often presented with an intellectual flair, which on the surface make it seem probable to the uninformed, but when tested by the Scriptures Authority, they quickly become unravelled for what they are and that is utterly false and misleading. Both the Mormons and the Jehovah Witnesses have mastered this, by first using the Scriptures to validate themselves, and then skillfully pulling people away from the Scriptures to bring them under their own false and misleading claims, and thus under their own authority and bondage. Sadly they are not alone in their guile.
Vs. 5 "For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ."
The Apostle having warned the brethren not to be led astray by those whose only skill in the Christian life is the guile misuse of the Scriptures now begins with a positive exhortation. Encouraging the brethren too continue on in their good conduct and sound faith In Christ Jesus (vs. 5-7). For though Paul was absent in the flesh, yet he was with them in spirit rejoicing to see their good order and the steadfastness of their faith In Christ (vs.5). The Believers Bible Commentary does great service to verse five when it states: "This verse shows how intimately aware the Apostle Paul was of the problems and perils facing the Colossians. He pictures himself as a military officer looking over the assembled troops as they stand ready for inspection. The two words order and steadfastness are military terms. The first describes the orderly array of a company of soldiers, whereas the second pictures the solid flank which is presented by them. Paul rejoices as he sees (in spirit though not in body) how the Colossians were standing true to the word of God." vs. 5
Vs. 6 "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him"
And so as we have received the Lord Jesus Christ (that is by faith) so we are to walk in Him (consider 2 Cor 5:7). The verb the Apostle Paul uses here translated walk means in this context to continue on, live on. It's usage in the N.T. is extensive both in the literal sense and more importantly in the theological sense of our living our new lives in Christ as His disciples. And thus not walking (i.e. living) like those who do not believe in God, but rather as those who do believe and thus have received both His everlasting mercies and His Holy Spirit life through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (consider Eph. 4:17-24, vs. 17, 22 words appearance). Thus no longer living according to the lusts of flesh, but rather walking (i.e. living) by the Spirit of God (Gal 5:16; Rom 8:1, 4; 13:13-14). Therefore let us walk (i.e. live) as children of light, for the fruit of the Spirit is in all righteousness, godliness and truth (Eph. 5:8-9 also see Eph. 5:15-21) For when we do we walk not only worthy of the calling with which we were called, we walk worthy of the Lord (Eph. 4:1; Col 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:12). And so let us all who believe in Jesus Christ strive to live lives that are true to our high and holy calling and thus true to the Lord Himself (1 John 1:6-7; 2:6; 2:10-11; 2 John 4, 6; 3 John 3-4; Rev 3:4; 16:15).
Vs. 7 "rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving."
In one of the most spiritually enlightening passages in this chapter, the Apostle Paul in the span of two verses gives us a timeless warning that transcends both ages and cultures. In it Paul begins by saying: "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ."
At the heart of what the Apostle Paul is saying is do not let anyone, through any form of philosophical or even religious thought cheat you, or more literally take you captive through their so called esoteric knowledge or so called "spiritual" worship practices. For the Gospels Message is the Complete and Perfect Incarnation of God's Wisdom and Salvation through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore nothing needs to be added to God's Glorious Work done on the cross for our redemption from sin and death and thus our eternal salvation the moment we believe in Jesus (John 3:16; Eph. 1:13-14). Therefore do not let anyone cheat you out of it, or rob your liberty and peace while in it. For your faith is complete and perfect when it is rooted and grounded in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore beware of anyone who says you must do this or that; or you must think this way or that in order to have your salvation completed or perfected. "For God has by one sacrifice perfected forever those who are being sanctified by faith in His Son" (Heb 10:14 addition mine, also see Acts 20:32. 26:18). Therefore do not let person take captive your faith and hope and bind it too the philosophies and empty deceit of men. All which is according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ (consider 1 Cor 1:17-31; 2:1-16). For all such things are always according to the works and unregenerate reasoning's of man, which underlies every religious and philosophical attempt of man to either save himself or change himself. And thus is only man trying to attain too innocence or acceptance before God the Father in of himself. Therefore reject all such things for you are accepted in the Beloved by God the Father the moment you believe in His Son Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:6; 2 Thess. 2:13).
Vs. 9-10 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
In Jesus Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Therefore in Jesus Christ dwells all of the fullness of God, both the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Thus In Jesus Christ is all of God. Something which various religious cults, false teachers and deceived individuals down through the centuries always try to deny. The reason for their doing so is simple if God is not all In Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ all in God then there leaves room for their religious figures person or beliefs. Which may exalt angels or spirits or even so called spiritual practices as necessary and incumbent upon those who want to know God. Therefore if anyone (or angel) preaches any other Gospel than the Gospel you have received by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, crucified for our sins remission, risen from the dead on the third day for our justification, and ascended back to God the Father forty days later for our eternal redemption with Himself, then let them be accursed! (see Gal 1:6-10). For we are complete in Jesus Christ who is the head of all principality and power. Therefore do not let anyone deceive you with any sort of spiritual hierarchy by which they try to put some angel or some person before the Lord Jesus Christ as a means too Him. For if you know the Lord Jesus Christ then you know God the Father in His fullness who also indwells you by His Holy Spirit. For we are the Temple of the Lord who believe in Jesus Christ. Thus do not let anyone tell that God is here or there when He is always intimately near us all who believe in His Son Jesus! Finally that the Apostle Paul declares that the Lord Jesus Christ is the head of all principality and power means that there is not only none greater than Christ, but it means He is before them all. Therefore there is no reason for anyone who believes in Jesus to think they need to appeal too or go through another. For the Lord Jesus Christ is not only immediately accessible to all who believe in Him He is incalculably greater than all principalities and powers, whether they are in heaven or on earth. Thus whatever hierarchies of earthly dignitaries or of angels someone may expound, they are all subject too and infinitely beneath the Risen Son of God.
Additional Resources Consulted
MacDonald, William. Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. Edited by Arthur Farstad. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995.
Vs. 1 The Apostle Paul's begins by mentioning his great conflict (or struggle) on behalf of the brethren at Colossae and those in Laodicea was not an exaggeration. The word he uses here indicates being involved in an intense struggle, often against strong and determined opposition, and thus requiring exerting all of ones energies (both physical and mental) in doing so. In early times it was used of those competing in the stadium for the prize; in the Christian context it is used of each and every believers fighting and striving for the Kingdom of God (consider Luke 13:24; 1 Tim 6:12; 2 Tim 4:7; Heb 12:1). Now of course this is not something that one does in their own strength, but as the Apostle Paul says of his own striving for the gospel, in the power and strength of the Lord Jesus Christ (see Col. 1:29). And so here the Apostle Paul declares his own great conflict for all the brethren at Collisee and Laodicea and the surrounding region, who had not seen him face to face. For Paul though having not yet personally met many of these brethren; for he himself was currently imprisoned; could not but have his heart torn wide open by what he was hearing about them all. For the false teachers and their gnostic doctrines were rapidly infiltrating the churches there and thus distorting of the Gospel of Christ; making acquiring their "secret knowledge" and or observing their ascetic rules and man-made rituals the means of salvation, rather than having all of ones faith in the Living Lord Jesus Christ. And so here Paul takes the word and applies it to his own great conflict for them all, a fight which he is waging on their behalf in prayer. For he knows what is at stake if the gnostic doctrines take root amongst them. Not only will they steal away their soundness of faith; and or rob them of their Christian liberties; but also such doctrines will destroy their unity as brethren.
Vs. 2-3 Therefore the Apostle Paul's exhortations and prayer for them all is so that their "that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
There's a lot there so maybe it's best to break Paul's statement into some manageable phrases. First then "that their hearts may be encouraged." Obviously Paul wants the brethren their to stand fast in their faith as they have received it, and thus be encouraged by what Paul has written to them to further their understanding and growth in their faith, but he also wants them to be encouraged by his prayers and love and concern for them all.
"being knit together in love" Not only does the Apostle Paul want them to be individually encouraged, but he desires that they all are knit together in love. The verb he uses here (translated knit) here means to be united or held together by love. Thus controversy within an assembly is not a time for discord and disunity (though there will be factions, so that those who are approved may be recognized, 1 Cor 11:19) but rather controversy within a congregation is a time for drawing closer to the Lord, His truth, and each other. For once sound doctrine is established or re-established, love is always the hallmark of genuine Christian faith and unity.
Having exhorted then that their hearts be knit together in love. The Apostle Paul goes on and says he wants them all "...attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ"
Full assurance in the original is actually one word meaning "supreme fullness." In this context it denotes the superabundance of the knowledge of God that is epitomized in Christ as the one in whom God actively reveals himself, and through whom He exclusively works salvation in the heavens and in the earth. For in attaining "to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ" a believer becomes more and more convinced of the realities and riches of God's Person and His salvation for them In Christ. For it is in God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son that all the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found. And so if the false teachers thought they could seduce the believers minds with their so called secret knowledge and "spiritual insights" the Apostle Paul lays that all to rest. For only in the Scriptures, is God's Holy Word and Wisdom, all which point one to the Lord Jesus Christ who is the Divine Person of this, and who being One with God always declares His truth. And so too look elsewhere for knowledge of God; either of the Father or of the Son is only looking to be deceived. Now it has been duly noted in the Believers Bible commentary that: "The expression full assurance is used three times in the NT. (1) Full assurance of faith—we rest on God’s word, His testimony to us (Heb. 10:22). (2) Full assurance of understanding—we know and are assured (Col. 2:2). (3) Full assurance of hope—we press on with confidence as to the outcome (Heb. 6:11)."
Vs. 4 "Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words."
The Apostle Paul's warning in verse four is that one who is not grounded in the truth can be swayed away from the truth through persuasive words. For every cult always has it's charismatic speakers and language and powerful personalities forwarding it, who watch out for lost and wandering and starving souls like birds of prey (consider Prov 27:7) . Now the word Paul uses here to describe their skill at this (translated persuasive words) appears only here in the N.T. It means to deceive someone through skillfully presented and plausible arguments; that is they make their case through the cunning use of words and reasoning's, often presented with an intellectual flair, which on the surface make it seem probable to the uninformed, but when tested by the Scriptures Authority, they quickly become unravelled for what they are and that is utterly false and misleading. Both the Mormons and the Jehovah Witnesses have mastered this, by first using the Scriptures to validate themselves, and then skillfully pulling people away from the Scriptures to bring them under their own false and misleading claims, and thus under their own authority and bondage. Sadly they are not alone in their guile.
Vs. 5 "For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ."
The Apostle having warned the brethren not to be led astray by those whose only skill in the Christian life is the guile misuse of the Scriptures now begins with a positive exhortation. Encouraging the brethren too continue on in their good conduct and sound faith In Christ Jesus (vs. 5-7). For though Paul was absent in the flesh, yet he was with them in spirit rejoicing to see their good order and the steadfastness of their faith In Christ (vs.5). The Believers Bible Commentary does great service to verse five when it states: "This verse shows how intimately aware the Apostle Paul was of the problems and perils facing the Colossians. He pictures himself as a military officer looking over the assembled troops as they stand ready for inspection. The two words order and steadfastness are military terms. The first describes the orderly array of a company of soldiers, whereas the second pictures the solid flank which is presented by them. Paul rejoices as he sees (in spirit though not in body) how the Colossians were standing true to the word of God." vs. 5
Vs. 6 "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him"
And so as we have received the Lord Jesus Christ (that is by faith) so we are to walk in Him (consider 2 Cor 5:7). The verb the Apostle Paul uses here translated walk means in this context to continue on, live on. It's usage in the N.T. is extensive both in the literal sense and more importantly in the theological sense of our living our new lives in Christ as His disciples. And thus not walking (i.e. living) like those who do not believe in God, but rather as those who do believe and thus have received both His everlasting mercies and His Holy Spirit life through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (consider Eph. 4:17-24, vs. 17, 22 words appearance). Thus no longer living according to the lusts of flesh, but rather walking (i.e. living) by the Spirit of God (Gal 5:16; Rom 8:1, 4; 13:13-14). Therefore let us walk (i.e. live) as children of light, for the fruit of the Spirit is in all righteousness, godliness and truth (Eph. 5:8-9 also see Eph. 5:15-21) For when we do we walk not only worthy of the calling with which we were called, we walk worthy of the Lord (Eph. 4:1; Col 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:12). And so let us all who believe in Jesus Christ strive to live lives that are true to our high and holy calling and thus true to the Lord Himself (1 John 1:6-7; 2:6; 2:10-11; 2 John 4, 6; 3 John 3-4; Rev 3:4; 16:15).
Vs. 7 "rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving."
The Apostle Paul's use of some metaphors here is to convey the believers reality in Christ. First is that we are rooted in Him. The word used here (as many commentators have noted) is an agricultural/horticultural term indicating being permanently rooted. Thus once we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ we are permanently rooted in Him. A believer need never fear being uprooted from Him since once God has planted us In Christ, He not only nourishes us In Christ, (through His Word) but He Himself acts like the Divine Gardener who prunes us too look more and more like Christ Jesus the Lord (consider John 15:1-9). And so our being rooted In Christ has to do with our salvation which occurred the moment we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ (Eph 1:13-14). But our being built up in Him (as we will see) is an ongoing building process. Therefore having declared our being permanently rooted In Christ the Apostle Paul then shifts our attention to an architecture metaphor (again already noted by several commentaries). Saying that we all, both as individual believers as well as a collective Body of believers are being built up in Him. The first work of God is a one time only occurrence, once rooted were rooted! But now the Apostle's use of the architecture metaphor indicates that this being built up in Jesus Christ who is the foundation is an ongoing process. For the again Jesus Christ is the foundation which God has laid (consider 1 Cor 3:11); while God Himself is the builder steadily adding to the foundation new souls every day, in ever place, in every generation where the Gospel is preached and the Lord Jesus Christ believed on, and thus the building steadily rises higher and higher to the glory of God. If you think about it, it stands in marked contrast to the ancient tower of Babylon where mankind thought to exalt themselves above God by building it. For this building is being built by God Himself for the glory, honor and praise of His Son. That's one aspect of God's building us up in Jesus Christ. Another which the Apostle Paul relates to us in his Ephesians epistle is that in being built up in Christ all believing Jews and Gentiles become one building. And so there's not a church for the Jews and then one for the Gentiles. Both are planted by God, and are being built up by God In Christ who again is the foundation or chief cornerstone of all that God is building (Eph 2:20). And so all of us who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ become a holy Temple to the Lord; literally a dwelling place for God in the Spirit (See Eph 2:19-22). That is the point of our being redeemed by God the Father through Jesus Christ His Son so that He might restore us all who believe in Jesus back to life, and thus back to Himself. And so the Apostle Paul says here that we are to build our faith in Him, in Jesus Christ, and not in another. Not in philosophy, and not in religion, but in Jesus Christ alone, by faith alone to the glory of the Father. And so we are to be established in the faith, (and not by tossed about by winds of doctrines; not by misled by the traditions and commandments of men) but rather as we have been Scripturally taught, as the Holy Spirit illuminates God's Word too us, so we are too grow stronger in it, as God's Word and Works are confirmed in our own lives. Therefore we always have cause for abounding in thanksgiving to God in all things and circumstances because we not only see the Lord Jesus Christ's Person in and hear the Lord's voice through His Word, but we also experience His Person and Life working in and through our lives; and thus we have great cause for abounding in thanksgiving to God for Him.
Vs. 8-10 8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
In one of the most spiritually enlightening passages in this chapter, the Apostle Paul in the span of two verses gives us a timeless warning that transcends both ages and cultures. In it Paul begins by saying: "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ."
At the heart of what the Apostle Paul is saying is do not let anyone, through any form of philosophical or even religious thought cheat you, or more literally take you captive through their so called esoteric knowledge or so called "spiritual" worship practices. For the Gospels Message is the Complete and Perfect Incarnation of God's Wisdom and Salvation through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore nothing needs to be added to God's Glorious Work done on the cross for our redemption from sin and death and thus our eternal salvation the moment we believe in Jesus (John 3:16; Eph. 1:13-14). Therefore do not let anyone cheat you out of it, or rob your liberty and peace while in it. For your faith is complete and perfect when it is rooted and grounded in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore beware of anyone who says you must do this or that; or you must think this way or that in order to have your salvation completed or perfected. "For God has by one sacrifice perfected forever those who are being sanctified by faith in His Son" (Heb 10:14 addition mine, also see Acts 20:32. 26:18). Therefore do not let person take captive your faith and hope and bind it too the philosophies and empty deceit of men. All which is according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ (consider 1 Cor 1:17-31; 2:1-16). For all such things are always according to the works and unregenerate reasoning's of man, which underlies every religious and philosophical attempt of man to either save himself or change himself. And thus is only man trying to attain too innocence or acceptance before God the Father in of himself. Therefore reject all such things for you are accepted in the Beloved by God the Father the moment you believe in His Son Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:6; 2 Thess. 2:13).
Vs. 9-10 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
In Jesus Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Therefore in Jesus Christ dwells all of the fullness of God, both the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Thus In Jesus Christ is all of God. Something which various religious cults, false teachers and deceived individuals down through the centuries always try to deny. The reason for their doing so is simple if God is not all In Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ all in God then there leaves room for their religious figures person or beliefs. Which may exalt angels or spirits or even so called spiritual practices as necessary and incumbent upon those who want to know God. Therefore if anyone (or angel) preaches any other Gospel than the Gospel you have received by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, crucified for our sins remission, risen from the dead on the third day for our justification, and ascended back to God the Father forty days later for our eternal redemption with Himself, then let them be accursed! (see Gal 1:6-10). For we are complete in Jesus Christ who is the head of all principality and power. Therefore do not let anyone deceive you with any sort of spiritual hierarchy by which they try to put some angel or some person before the Lord Jesus Christ as a means too Him. For if you know the Lord Jesus Christ then you know God the Father in His fullness who also indwells you by His Holy Spirit. For we are the Temple of the Lord who believe in Jesus Christ. Thus do not let anyone tell that God is here or there when He is always intimately near us all who believe in His Son Jesus! Finally that the Apostle Paul declares that the Lord Jesus Christ is the head of all principality and power means that there is not only none greater than Christ, but it means He is before them all. Therefore there is no reason for anyone who believes in Jesus to think they need to appeal too or go through another. For the Lord Jesus Christ is not only immediately accessible to all who believe in Him He is incalculably greater than all principalities and powers, whether they are in heaven or on earth. Thus whatever hierarchies of earthly dignitaries or of angels someone may expound, they are all subject too and infinitely beneath the Risen Son of God.
Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982,
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982,
Additional Resources Consulted
MacDonald, William. Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. Edited by Arthur Farstad. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995.
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