Scripture: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.”
Observation: This is one of the classic expressions of the expansiveness and particular inclusiveness of Christ. In a few places, Colossians has a version of something we are more familiar with from elsewhere in Paul’s letters. In this case, the version we know better is found in Galatians 3:26-28.
It’s probably clear why I described this statement with the words “expansiveness” and “inclusiveness.” After all, Paul rattles off the various sorts of persons who find themselves in the same family of God as a result of putting their faith in the saving work of Christ. This includes groups that would otherwise be at odds with one another: “Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free.” All of these are experiencing what Paul describes as putting off the old self and putting on the new self. All are experiencing renewal “in knowledge in the image of [their] Creator.” This is a common experience due to being “in Christ” despite characteristics that separate them from one another.
But I also used the word, “particular.” Why? The key is the first word of the sentence: “Here.” At its best, our general inclusiveness is based on our common humanity. That is an excellent foundation, of course. Regardless of anyone else’s belief system, Christians are taught the universal common humanity of all persons in the very first story of the Bible.
But Paul goes one concentric circle inward for those who are in Christ. Not only do we share a common humanity, we’re “in Christ,” sharing in the saving grace of God and in a process of being renewed in the image of God. “Here” locates us in Christ and in His Church—“because Christ is all and is in all.”
Christians are to regard everyone with love and seek the good of all, despite our differences, because of our common humanity and God’s common grace. And the expansive inclusiveness of being “in Christ” is so radical it’s as if the distinctions that divide humanity aren’t actually even there.
Application:
How is the inclusiveness of being “in Christ” both similar and distinct from general inclusiveness of humanity?
What is the Holy Spirit speaking with you about in the text today?*
Prayer: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. May I offer your common grace to everyone. May I also embody the radical, particular inclusiveness of the Gospel with all in the family of God. Amen.
*I’m adding this final question to each day going forward. I’m delighted to hear that some of you are finding these reflections useful for Bible study/spiritual conversation with friends, family, and co-workers. So I’m borrowing this question from a pastor friend. No matter what other questions might arise, that last one is always relevant and most important.
“But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)
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How is the inclusiveness of being “in Christ” both similar and distinct from general inclusiveness of humanity?
My answer: We are part of humanity or God’s kingdom, uniquely created by Him. However, to be “in Christ” is to surrender one’s life to Him, to be Christ-like. To mold your life as He teaches us which is a tall order since He was the perfect one and we are not but must devote ourselves to that goal each day.
Paul verified that Christ came to save us all.