FRIDAY November 8, 2024

The Hope of the Gospel

...if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Colossians 1:23

Paul showed theologically how Christ accomplished our salvation. He came out of eternity to die on the Cross, and, by the shedding of His blood, we can have our sins forgiven. However, there is a condition in regard to our Christian walk––if indeed you continue in the faith. Are you continuing in your Christian faith?

Listen, we are to remain or abide in Christ. We are to mature and become grounded in God’s Word. Lastly, we are to be steadfast. You see, it is not just receiving Christ at an altar call and repeating the sinner’s prayer, you have to continue your walk with Christ. This means you are to seek the Lord daily as you live your life.

What does the Bible have to say to you about these things? First, in John 15, Jesus taught the simple precept of abiding in Him: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4). As we abide in Christ, there is fruitfulness––a natural growth of spiritual fruit––love, hope, goodness and gentleness, to name a few.

Second, we are to be grounded. Grounded in what? The Word of God and the love of God:

...that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:17-19).

Finally, be steadfast: ...my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). If you do these things, you will not be moved away from the hope of the Gospel.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
~Romans 15:13~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!