First Of All: Embracing Fidelity

To know (or not know) who Jesus is has serious consequences, earthly and eternally. For this reason Paul was eager to reveal the supremacy of Christ (see Colossians 1:15-19). The truth that Jesus is first of all is foundational to our faith. Our eternal destiny rests on everything Jesus did for us on the cross as God in the flesh. Instead of trusting in our own goodness or good deeds as the way to salvation, we trust entirely in His shed blood, which is the foundation of fidelity for those reconciled to God (Col. 1:19).

Reconciliation is about Jesus and His relationship to man. The Greek word translated reconciliation means a restoration to favor. In Colossians 1:20-23 Paul says that sinners are alienated from God and hostile in their minds, yet God has provided reconciliation through Christ's death. This is the only way a person can be restored to favor with God. Paul did not want the Colossians to succumb to false teaching or give in to heresies of the time, but to stand firm in their faith in the hope of the gospel.

To stand firm in our faith and not be moved or be sidetracked regardless of life’s many challenges is fidelity. Christians must stay true to Christ and not be moved from the hope of the gospel to remain steadfast (settled) in this realm. It has been said that “We are living in a world of spiritual lethargy, social degradation, political confusion, economical propensity, cultural mutilation, psychological abnormality and educational devaluation. There is a great conflict between the spirit and the flesh.” Yes there is! That’s why the gospel is the only hope, as people are reconciled to God in Christ and steadfast in their faith in Christ! Here’s a prayer you can pray each day.

Thank you, Father, for the wonderful salvation, strength, and security we have received from the Lord Jesus Christ, and for the victory He won for me through His blood. Thank you that we are overcomers because of faith. Thank you that the penalty and power of sin, Satan, death, and hell, has been overcome through faith in the cleansing blood of the Lamb, Who died and rose again so that we might never die, but be raised to life immortal. May we live every day of our life in faith through Christ. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.