The Beauty of Baptism – Colossians 2:9-15

The apostle Paul takes the time to unveil the significance of our salvation pictured and proclaimed in baptism for several reasons. He knows these truths will equip them to walk as Christians in a pagan society (6). He knows these realities will cause them to flourish in their spiritual growth (7). Finally he is confident in the power of gospel understanding to fortify the church against arguments and wold-views to the contrary (8). Next Paul reminds the church of the object of their faith, again with reference to 'Christ Jesus the Lord' in verse 9 and 10. Paul calls attention to the essence of Christ (9), our access to Christ (10a), and the sovereignty of Christ (10b). In Jesus, the second person of the trinity, the fullness of God dwells in man (incarnation, hypostatic union). God is not watered down in Jesus but fully revealed. More than this, by virtue of the believer's absolutely unique relationship with Jesus, we have been filled, indwelt, and transformed by the very Spirit of God. The effect of this salvation, this state of reconciliation with God, is powerful indeed! We needn't fear or be moved or deceived by anything less. Christ Jesus has absolute authority and dominion over all. Paul then further roots his readers in the truth by telling the church exactly what happened to them when they were saved, expounding the symbolic power of baptism.