Lorenzo Palon

"6Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude." - Colossians 2:6-7 (NASB)

The Call to Authentic Christian Living in Colossians

Introduction

Colossians 2:6–7 is a crucial passage within Paul’s letter to the Colossian church, serving both as a central admonition and a summary of his theological exhortations. This section acts as a turning point in the epistle, where Paul transitions from introductory theological teachings about Christ to practical exhortations for the believers’ daily lives.

Paul wrote to address specific heresies and false teachings threatening the Colossian church—likely a blend of Gnostic and Judaizing influences. These teachings attempted to supplement or diminish the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ by introducing additional spiritual requirements or philosophies. Paul counters these errors by redirecting the Colossians back to the basics of their faith—centered on Christ alone. By stressing their rootedness in Christ and walking in Him, Paul refutes the notion that anything beyond Christ is necessary for spiritual completeness.

This passage reinforces the necessity of consistency in living out the faith. It is not enough for believers to initiate their faith journey with Christ; they must also continue to live in a way that reflects His teachings and lordship in their lives. Paul’s teaching encourages growth in spiritual maturity, grounded in the truth they have received, ensuring that their lives bear witness to the gospel.

In essence, Colossians 2:6–7 encapsulates a call to authentic Christian living—a life that starts with accepting Christ and continues with walking in Him, thereby serving as a doctrinal anchor amid potential doctrinal drift. This call remains relevant for believers today, reminding them to anchor their lives in Christ for true spiritual wellness.

“Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord”

The verb “received” (Greek: paralambanō, Aorist Active Indicative) is significant because it carries dual connotations that capture the essence of both entering into the Christian faith and living it out continuously. Understanding these nuances helps illuminate Paul’s intention in his letter to the Colossians and the nature of the Christian experience.

Dual Connotations of “Received”

1. Welcoming a Person: In the New Testament, paralambanō often describes the personal acceptance or welcoming of an individual. For example, in Matthew 1:20, Mary is said to “have received” the message from the angel about Jesus, indicating a personal and transformative interaction. Similarly, John 1:12 uses this term to depict those who “received Him,” meaning they welcomed Jesus, recognizing Him as the Messiah. In the context of Colossians 2:6, this connotation highlights the personal, relational aspect of conversion—embracing Jesus not just as a distant figure but as a present and active Lord in one’s life.
2. Receiving Tradition or Teaching: Paralambanō also conveys the idea of receiving a body of teaching or tradition, as seen in passages like 1 Corinthians 11:23, where Paul states that he “received from the Lord” what he passed on to the church regarding the Lord’s Supper. This aspect emphasizes that conversion involves accepting the teachings and doctrines of the Christian faith. For the Colossians, it meant adhering to the apostolic teaching that Epaphras had initially brought to them—a teaching focused on the sufficiency and supremacy of Christ.

Informing Conversion and Ongoing Life

The dual connotations of “received” underscore two integral facets of Christian life:

• Nature of Conversion: At the heart of conversion is the personal acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. It involves recognizing Him as central to one’s identity and future. This personal reception is transformative, marking a profound change in allegiance and lifestyle.
• Ongoing Life in Christ: Beyond the initial conversion experience, “receiving” Christ implies an ongoing commitment to the teachings and lifestyle that reflect one’s faith in Him. It suggests a continuous nurturing of the relationship through adherence to Christ’s teachings, which frame and guide the believer’s daily walk. This ongoing life is characterized by growth, stability, and maturation in faith, as believers are rooted and built up in Christ.

Thus, the use of paralambanō in Colossians 2:6 signifies both the initial step of faith and the enduring journey of living in Christ. It reminds the Colossians and all believers that accepting Christ involves both a personal relationship and a commitment to His teachings, underscoring the comprehensive nature of faith that begins at conversion and extends throughout one’s life.

Biblical Faith as a Covenant

In Pauline theology, faith is often framed as a covenantal relationship, emphasizing the interaction and commitment between God and believers. This perspective is seen throughout the New Testament and is central to understanding how faith functions within the context of the early Christian community, as reflected in Paul’s letters.

Divine Initiative

Central to covenant theology is the concept of God’s initiative in establishing a relationship with humanity. This foundational idea is evident in scriptures such as John 6:44 and 6:65, where Jesus indicates that no one can come to Him unless the Father first draws them. This highlights God’s preemptive role in reaching out to humanity, initiating the process of redemption and relationship.

God’s calling acts as the catalyst for faith. He initiates the covenant by offering grace, which is undeserved and unearned by humanity. This divine initiative underscores God’s sovereignty and His active role in seeking out and establishing connections with His chosen people.

Human Responsibility

However, the covenantal relationship is not one-sided. While God takes the initiative, human response is required for the covenant to be actualized fully. Paul’s writings, such as in Colossians 2:6, underscore the necessity of human actions like repentance, faith, obedience, and perseverance. These responses are integral for sustaining the covenantal relationship.

1. Repentance: This involves a conscious turning away from sin and turning toward God. It is a reorientation of life that aligns with God’s will and purposes.
2. Faith: Central to the covenant is trust in God’s promises and His nature. Faith acts as both the entry point and the sustaining force of the covenant.
3. Obedience: Genuine faith necessarily results in a changed life, marked by obedience to God’s commands. This is the practical outworking of covenantal commitment.
4. Perseverance: The enduring nature of the covenant relationship requires believers to maintain their faith through trials, challenges, and the passage of time, reflecting ongoing commitment and faithfulness.

Balance Between Divine Initiative and Human Response

Covenant theology maintains a delicate balance between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. On the one hand, God’s sovereign action secures and initiates the covenant, while on the other, human response ensures that the covenant relationship is active and dynamic. This symbiotic relationship avoids extremes such as determinism¹, where human responsibility is negated, or Pelagianism², where human effort is viewed as sufficient without divine grace.

In summary, biblical faith as a covenant reflects a holistic relationship between God and believers, initiated by God’s grace and responded to by faith and obedience. This framework not only highlights the depth and seriousness of the Christian commitment but also provides assurance of God’s faithfulness in sustaining His promises and presence in the life of a believer.

“Christ Jesus the Lord”

The phrase “Christ Jesus the Lord” encapsulates a deeply significant early Christian confession, one that carried profound theological and practical implications for the believers of the time. This designation is more than a set of titles but is a declaration of Jesus’ identity and authority, shaping the devotion and practices of early Christian communities.

Christ

• Messiahship: The title “Christ” is derived from the Greek term “Christos,” translating the Hebrew “Messiah,” which means “Anointed One.” This acknowledges Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah prophesied in the Hebrew Scriptures. Recognizing Jesus as the Christ affirmed that He is the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel and the one who inaugurates God’s kingdom on earth.

Jesus

• Humanity: The name “Jesus” refers to His human identity, grounding the confession in the historical reality of Jesus of Nazareth. This emphasizes the incarnation, that God became man (cf. John 1:14). The humanity of Jesus is critical because it identifies Him with the people He came to save, making His life, death, and resurrection deeply personal and relational.

The Lord

• Divine Authority: Declaring Jesus as “the Lord” signifies recognition of His divine authority and sovereignty. This term aligns Jesus with Yahweh, the covenant name for God in the Hebrew Bible, establishing His equality with God (cf. John 1:1). In Philippians 2:6-11, Paul describes Jesus’ divine nature, His humility in becoming human, and His exaltation as Lord, to whom every knee will bow. This confession of Jesus as Lord was profound, especially under Roman rule where Caesar was often declared as “lord.”

Early Christian Confession

• Baptismal Profession: In the early church, the affirmation “Jesus is Lord” became a central element of baptismal confession (cf. Romans 10:9-13). Baptism symbolized dying with Christ and rising into new life, publicly declaring allegiance to Jesus over all other powers. By confessing Jesus as Lord, early Christians were making a bold statement of faith, rejecting other sources of ultimate loyalty—including Roman political powers—and committing to live under Christ’s dominion.

Practical Implications for Believers

• This confession demanded that early Christians live consistently with the truth of Jesus’ lordship. It called for moral and ethical behavior aligned with Jesus’ teachings, promoted community life centered on His example of love and service, and emboldened believers to endure persecution by the Roman Empire and other entities that demanded loyalty.

In essence, the confession of “Christ Jesus the Lord” is a profound statement of faith that encompasses recognizing Jesus as the promised Messiah, the incarnate Savior, and the sovereign Lord. It formed the cornerstone of Christian identity, community, and mission, shaping the foundational beliefs and behaviors of the early church. This proclamation continues to be central to Christian faith today, encapsulating the depth and breadth of who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him.

“So walk in Him”

The phrase “so walk in Him,” found in Colossians 2:6, is a call to action and transformation for believers. It is a Present Active Imperative, indicating an ongoing and continuous action that should characterize the life of every Christian.

Continuous Action

• Present Active Imperative: This grammatical structure emphasizes the need for a constant, habitual lifestyle rather than a single or discrete event. Faith is not static; it is dynamic and continuous. The call to “walk in Him” reflects an ongoing journey, signifying that living in Christ is a daily process.

Lifestyle Transformation

• Beyond Intellectual Assent: Christian faith goes beyond just believing certain doctrines intellectually. It requires transformation in how one lives their life. Walking implies movement and progression—it’s about actively living out one’s beliefs in daily behavior and decisions.
• Ongoing Discipleship: This walking metaphor aligns with the concept of discipleship. Discipleship is a lifelong process where believers follow the teachings and example of Christ, continually learning and growing into His likeness. It involves ongoing spiritual growth, learning, and adherence to the teachings of Jesus.

Expression of Relationship with Christ

• Obedience and Faith: The believer’s life becomes an outward manifestation of their inward relationship with Christ. This relationship is characterized by obedience to His commandments and guidance (cf. Colossians 1:10). Walking in Him means living in a way that reflects His character and teachings. It involves making decisions and actions that are consistent with the values and principles taught by Jesus.
• Guided by Faith: Walking in Christ is guided by a faith that trusts in Him as the source of life and direction. Faith shapes behavior and choices, influencing how believers engage with others and navigate the challenges of life.

Scriptural Parallels

• Colossians 1:10: Paul previously exhorts the Colossians to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.” This sets a high standard for behavior, aspiring to live in a way that pleases God through every good work and increasing in knowledge.
• Ephesians 4:1: Paul urges believers to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,” linking the idea of walking with the calling and identity of being in Christ. This reinforces the notion that the Christian walk is intrinsically linked to understanding and living out one’s identity in Christ.

The exhortation to “walk in Him” in Colossians 2:6 challenges believers to continuously live out their faith in tangible ways. It demands a transformative lifestyle that continually seeks to align with Christ’s teachings and character, reflecting a dynamic and growing relationship with Him. This daily walk is marked by obedience, guided by faith, and evidenced in every facet of the believer’s life, setting a visible example of a life lived in union with Christ.

Colossians 2:7 – Four Participles Describing the Walk

In Colossians 2:7, Paul uses four participles to vividly describe how believers should continue their journey in Christ. Each participle contributes to a comprehensive understanding of spiritual growth and maturity.

“Having been firmly rooted”

• Perfect Passive Participle: This indicates that believers have already been rooted in Christ, and the effects of this rooting continue into the present. The passive voice suggests that God is the one who has accomplished this rooting, providing believers with a stable and secure foundation.
• Agrarian Metaphor: The imagery of being “rooted” evokes the picture of a plant that is deeply fixed in the soil, drawing essential nutrients that sustain and promote growth. This metaphor highlights the importance of a solid foundation in Christ for spiritual nourishment and resilience against life’s challenges.
• Spiritual Nourishment and Growth: Being rooted in Christ ensures that believers are continuously fed by His teachings and empowered by His presence, which is essential for spiritual health and vigor.

“Being built up in Him”

• Present Passive Tense: This suggests an ongoing process of construction by God, indicating that spiritual growth is continuous. Believers are being built up collectively and individually, reflecting ongoing improvement and edification.
• Architectural Imagery: Paul frequently uses construction metaphors to describe the church as God’s spiritual building. In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, the community of believers is likened to a temple. This portrays the dynamic process of becoming more like Christ and integrating deeply into the structure of the church.
• Collective and Individual Growth: This image underscores not only personal development in faith but also the building up of the church community as a whole.

“Established in your faith”

• Present Passive Participle: This indicates a continuous strengthening in faith, suggesting that God actively works to firmly establish believers in their trust and understanding of the gospel.
• Subjective and Objective Faith: “Faith” encompasses both subjective trust in Christ and objective adherence to the doctrines of Christianity. This double emphasis ensures believers remain grounded in truth and unwavering in personal belief.
• Strength and Confirmation: This participle underscores the importance of a robust and assured faith, able to withstand external pressures and internal doubts.

“Overflowing with gratitude”

• Present Active Participle: In contrast to the previous passive participles, this active form indicates that believers themselves are to maintain an attitude of thanksgiving. Gratitude is not stagnant; it is an ongoing, dynamic response.
• Hallmark of Christian Life: Overflowing gratitude signifies a profound appreciation for God’s grace and work in Christ. It is a response to God’s generosity and a defense against false teachings, as grateful hearts are less likely to be swayed by deceptive philosophies.
• Encouraging Joyful Perseverance and Obedience: Gratitude motivates and sustains believers, promoting joy and perseverance in the faith, as well as obedience to Christ’s commands (cf. Colossians 1:12; 3:17).

These participles together paint a picture of what it means for believers to walk in Christ. They highlight foundational stability, ongoing growth, strengthening of faith, and a constant attitude of gratitude. This holistic approach ensures believers remain rooted, growing, confident, and thankful, which equips them to live in a manner worthy of their calling and resistant to challenges from false teachings.

Conclusion

In Colossians 2:6-7, Paul outlines a holistic vision of the Christian life that remains deeply relevant for modern believers. This passage invites believers into a dynamic relationship with Christ that is not only doctrinally sound but also fundamentally transformative in everyday life. Being deeply rooted in Christ involves developing a strong foundation through understanding and embracing the core truths of Christianity. This grounding provides the stability necessary to discern truth from falsehood amidst ever-shifting cultural influences. In today’s world, where information and beliefs constantly evolve, a firm foundation in Christ helps maintain spiritual equilibrium.

Furthermore, being constantly built up in faith suggests ongoing growth and maturity. This process involves engaging with Scripture, participating in community, practicing spiritual disciplines, and allowing God to work within us. Modern believers face numerous distractions and challenges that may hinder spiritual growth. Paul’s call encourages continuous learning and application of faith across all aspects of life, ensuring believers are equipped for both challenges and opportunities. In continual thanksgiving, gratitude serves both as a response to God’s grace and a lens through which believers view life. This attitude fosters joy, resilience, and a positive outlook, even in difficult circumstances. In the fast-paced, often stressful modern world, cultivating gratitude can profoundly impact mental and spiritual health by focusing on God’s blessings and reducing susceptibility to negativity and doubt.

Paul’s emphasis on “receiving” Christ signifies both the acceptance of Jesus as Lord and the adoption of His teachings into one’s life. This creates a seamless integration of faith and action, crucial in developing a consistent and genuine Christian witness. In today’s context, this holistic approach helps bridge the gap between professed beliefs and daily actions, enabling believers to live authentically and effectively in a world that closely examines sincerity. The ability to resist false teachings was essential for the Colossian church, which faced doctrinal challenges. Paul’s instructions provided a means to counteract these errors through a robust and engaged faith life. Today, believers encounter a variety of ideologies and spiritual alternatives that vie for attention and allegiance. By being rooted, built up, and grateful, believers can discern truth and remain faithful to the gospel amidst these competing voices.

Paul’s exhortation in Colossians 2:6-7 offers an enduring blueprint for a vibrant Christian life that is as applicable today as it was in the first century. His call to be deeply rooted, continually built up, and overflowing with gratitude encourages believers to pursue an active, growing faith. By aligning belief with daily practice, modern believers can live a life of integrity and influence, equipped to navigate contemporary culture’s complexities while steadfastly walking in Christ. This passage encourages a faith that is not static but dynamically engaged, informed by the reality of Christ Jesus as Lord.

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1. Determinism is a philosophical concept that suggests that all events, including human actions and decisions, are determined by preceding causes or natural laws. This implies that everything in the universe, including thoughts, behaviors, and actions, is the result of an unbroken chain of prior occurrences. Determinism can take several forms:
   Causal Determinism: This is the idea that every event is necessitated by antecedent events and conditions together with the laws of nature. It is often associated with a mechanistic view of the universe, where everything operates according to physical laws.
   Logical Determinism: This form involves the notion that propositions about the future are either true or false regardless of what actions might be taken, suggesting a fixed future.
   Theological Determinism: In religious contexts, this viewpoint holds that everything is determined by a divine will or fate.
   Biological or Genetic Determinism: This suggests that biological or genetic factors determine human behavior and attributes, emphasizing nature over nurture.
   Determinism is often discussed in contrast to free will, raising questions about the extent to which human beings can be considered free to make their own choices independently of these deterministic factors. The debate between determinism and free will touches on numerous fields, including philosophy, theology, physics, and psychology. Harris, Sam. Free Will. New York: Free Press, 2012; Kane, Robert, ed. The Oxford Handbook of Free Will. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002. ↩︎
2. Pelagianism is a theological doctrine attributed to Pelagius, a British monk who lived during the late 4th and early 5th centuries. The central tenets of Pelagianism revolve around issues of original sin, human nature, and divine grace. Key aspects of Pelagianism include:
   Denial of Original Sin: Pelagianism posits that human beings are born in the same state as Adam before the Fall, meaning they do not inherit original sin. According to Pelagius, each person is born morally neutral and with the ability to choose between good and evil independently.
   Emphasis on Free Will: Pelagians argue that humans have complete free will to achieve righteousness without the need for divine grace. They maintain that human beings are capable of living sinless lives through their efforts and moral choices.
   Role of Grace: While acknowledging grace, Pelagianism asserts that grace is not necessary for salvation but rather serves as a helpful aid. It suggests that God’s grace assists in the path to holiness but is not indispensable for a person to lead a virtuous life.
   Salvation by Personal Effort: The doctrine emphasizes human responsibility and the importance of following Christ’s example through personal effort and obedience to God’s commandments.
   Pelagianism was controversial because it contradicted the teachings of many church fathers, who emphasized the inherent sinfulness of humanity and the necessity of divine grace for salvation. The ideas proposed by Pelagius were condemned as heretical at several church councils, most notably at the Council of Carthage in 418 and the Council of Ephesus in 431. The opposing view, largely formulated by Augustine of Hippo, emphasized original sin and the necessity of grace, shaping the doctrine of original sin widely accepted in Western Christianity. McGrath, Alister E. Christian Theology: An Introduction. 6th ed. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell, 2017. ↩︎

SUGGESTED READINGS:

1. Moo, Douglas J. The Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2008.
2. Wright, N. T. Colossians and Philemon. New Testament for Everyone. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2008.
3. Horsley, Richard A. Paul and Empire: Religion and Power in Roman Imperial Society. Trinity Press International, 1997.
4. Schnabel, Eckhard J. Paul the Missionary: Realities, Strategies and Methods. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2008.
5. N. T. Wright. Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He Matters. New York: HarperOne, 2011.
6. Barclay, William. The Letters of Paul to the Churches. Edinburgh: Saint Andrew Press, 1960.
7. Stott, John R.W. The Message of Colossians and Philemon: Christ Supremacy and the Christian Life. The Bible Speaks Today. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1984.
8. Cottrell, Jack. The Faith Once for All: A Defense of the Christian Faith. Joplin, MO: College Press Publishing Company, 2005.
9. Rickett, Randall. “Christian Growth: Toward a Correct Understanding of Spiritual Growth.” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 40, no. 2 (June 1997): 253-266.
10. Chrysostom, John. Homilies on Colossians. Translated by Robert C. Hill. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2004.