the gathering of San Antonio

Keeping Salvation Simple – Colossians 2:6-23

Introduction

Paul wrote this portion of his letter in order to protect the Colossian church against various philosophies and teachings which attempted to add to the gospel as he had presented it to them.  These teaching often caused young Christians to doubt their salvation.  But salvation is simply a relationship, a commitment to follow Christ.  Those of us who are married don’t doubt whether or not we are actually married.  Similarly, we need not doubt whether or not we are actually in a saving relationship with Christ.

▪ Judging Ourselves – Salvation requires nothing more than a heart turned toward Christ and a commitment to follow Him.  Why do we insist on making it more complicated?  Walking in relationship with God has always required a change of the heart.  Before Christ came, that change was measured in outward forms, such as circumcision or sacrifices.  Now it is measured solely by the Holy Spirit at work within you.

▪ Judging Others – In looking at a church’s doctrine of salvation, two questions stand out: (1) Who do you say Jesus is?  (2) What do you say I must do to be saved?  Examining the doctrinal beliefs of other churches is one thing, but judging the hearts of individuals in those churches is another thing altogether.  Be careful.  Judging a person’s heart is dangerous business.