"Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." (Colossians 1:28)
What was Paul "warning every man" about? And what was he teaching "every man in all wisdom"?
In verses 19-21 Paul had said this about Jesus:
"For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him (Jesus), and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation"
Paul was teaching that God has reconciled "to himself all things". Paul was warning his listeners that it is immature (less than perfect) to teach or believe that Jesus would FAIL to reconcile to God "all things". Paul was still dealing with many Jews who thought God would only save Israel... so he was warning them that such an attitude is wrong and makes them immature. What Paul wanted to do was to "present every man PERFECT" in Christ Jesus...meaning "mature" in their understanding when they meet Jesus at the resurrection.
It appears to me that much of the present day doctrine of Christianity is less than perfect and those who teach and embrace it will stand before Jesus as children, and not mature Sons. I just keep learning and pressing on with the assurance that I will one day appear before him "perfect" (mature) because he has made me so.
What was Paul "warning every man" about? And what was he teaching "every man in all wisdom"?
In verses 19-21 Paul had said this about Jesus:
"For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him (Jesus), and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation"
Paul was teaching that God has reconciled "to himself all things". Paul was warning his listeners that it is immature (less than perfect) to teach or believe that Jesus would FAIL to reconcile to God "all things". Paul was still dealing with many Jews who thought God would only save Israel... so he was warning them that such an attitude is wrong and makes them immature. What Paul wanted to do was to "present every man PERFECT" in Christ Jesus...meaning "mature" in their understanding when they meet Jesus at the resurrection.
It appears to me that much of the present day doctrine of Christianity is less than perfect and those who teach and embrace it will stand before Jesus as children, and not mature Sons. I just keep learning and pressing on with the assurance that I will one day appear before him "perfect" (mature) because he has made me so.