Colossians 1:20-23 – If you Continue in the Faith
In the opening of his letter to the Colossians, the apostle Paul speaks about Christ as being before all creation and from there explains that true believers are reconciled to God through Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross. Then comes an exhortation to continue in the faith which goes against the false and popular doctrine of Once Saved Always Saved. Let’s look at the passage with some comments.
Colossians 1:20-23 (KJV)
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him (Jesus Christ) to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (the believer Paul has in mind here is one who was alienated and now is reconciled, that means saved)
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable (being reconciled, these true believers are ready to be presented holy and unblameable) and unreproveable in his sight:
23 IF ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel (that is IF they continue in the faith until that day when they will be presented holy in His sight),which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
There is no real way around this passage to make it fit with the false and deceptive doctrine of “Once Saved Always Saved”. Again, our brothers from the OSAS camp have to do some serious twisting to get out from the simple obvious. This obvious truth is that true believers in Christ have to continue in the faith until the end to be presented holy and unblameable in the sight of God.
Some have dared to say that we don’t have to be presented holy and unblameable to be saved. In other words, if we don’t continue in the faith grounded and settled, we will not be presented as completely holy and unblameable but we will still be saved. Make sure dear friends, that the New Testament says clearly that Christ is coming for a holy bride with no spot nor blemish. The robes have to be white as snow to enter heaven, not one sin will be allowed in the presence of Mighty God. Holiness itself is the requisite not optional. That is our true God. Those who have an ear will hear this of course.
Conclusion
Dear friend, this passage in the letter to the Colossians is just one of many proving that “Once Saved Always Saved” is a dangerous lying doctrine. How many passages do we need in the Bible to show us that this easy and comfortable laid back doctrine is a lie? You are warned dear friend, eternity is a long time, don’t risk going there thinking salvation is a done deal and that sin won’t make us lose it. If we deliberately keep living in sin, there comes a time when we can be cut off, if we don’t truly repent and if we don’t keep going in faith until the end, we will not be saved.
Make sure you keep your faith, make sure you continue in the hope of the gospel.
May the Lord show you this truth more and more!