Along with encouraging the Christians at Colossae, Paul also offered them assurance: In Christ, they had been given redemption and forgiveness and a new life in the kingdom.

They had been debating in their community - is Christ really all we need? Is our new faith enough? Paul's answer is a resounding "Yes!"

Sometimes we need this reminder too. We've been taught that we have been forgiven in Christ's love, but we ask: Can we really believe it? Is it that simple?

Our redemption is complete in Christ. We have already been brought into the kingdom. The challenging part is learning to live like it!

Regardless of the debates and controversies going on around us, we too can rejoice in the fullness of our redemption. The same assurance Paul offers the Colossians is assurance for us too – because of the life and love of Christ, we are part of God's kingdom. And that’s enough!

by Meredith Shaw from d365.org