Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
In chapter 2 of Colossians, Paul continues to unpack the implications of the divinity of Christ. One of his themes here is freedom. When we become followers of Christ – a decision sealed in baptism – we enter in to a spiritual union with him that frees us from the things that kept us prisoner before. From being 'spiritually dead' because of our sins, we are made alive.
Paul's concern here, as in several of his other letters, is to combat those who want to add new requirements for believers to this awe-inspiring truth. To be a 'proper' Christian, these people said, meant keeping rules about Sabbath observance and a religiously proper diet. No, said Paul: it was about being 'in Christ'; everything else is insignificant compared to that.
Throughout Church history there's been a tension between the Church as an institution, and Christians' actual experience of salvation and liberation. Of course we need institutions, but unless we're careful the Church tends to default to a rules-based religion rather than a grace-based one. That's why we have periodic revivals and reformations, as God's Spirit blows through the Church again.
In Christ, Paul says, we have been 'set free from the ruling spirits of the universe' (verse 20). We need to be very careful that rules set in place for our good don't become substitutes for a relationship with him.
God, thank you that Christ came to give us life and free us from the power of sin. Help me to live in the light of his resurrection power in me.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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