Colossians 2:6-7 - Embracing the Gospel Over Time
The Foundation of the Christian Walk
The Christian life is initiated by the reception of the Gospel, yet it is never intended to remain at the point of origin. While justification—the act of being reconciled to God through the finished work of Jesus Christ—is the essential foundation, an incomplete understanding of the faith often pauses at this initial moment. The fullness of the Christian experience involves a lifelong process of sanctification, a daily embracing of the Gospel that unfolds over time. This growth is characterized by an increasing depth of spiritual wisdom and a life that progressively reflects the character of God.
Colossians 1:9-12 (NASB)
For this reason also, since the day we heard [of it], we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please [Him] in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.
The Apostle Paul emphasizes that the Christian life is a “walk,” a metaphor suggesting movement, progress, and consistency. In the letter to the Colossians, a clear cause-and-effect relationship is established: the reception of Christ as Lord is the root cause, and the subsequent walk in Him is the necessary effect. This walk is not a sprint, nor is it a momentary burst of effort, but a steady advancement rooted in faith.
Colossians 2:6-7 (NASB)
Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk in Him, having been firmly rooted [and now] being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, [and] overflowing with gratitude.
The Transformation of Identity
Central to the journey of faith is a fundamental transformation of identity. When an individual is raised with Christ, their nature is altered, shifting from a state of spiritual isolation to a life that is hidden within God. This new identity serves as the lens through which the believer views every aspect of existence—from family and relationships to labor and ambition. The heart and mind are progressively renewed, leading to a shift in motives, hopes, and priorities. Rather than seeking worldly success, the believer begins to seek kingdom-minded objectives, anchored in the hope of future glory.
Colossians 3:1-4 (NASB)
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.
This new identity is best understood through the organic connection between a vine and its branches. Just as a branch derives its life, nutrients, and ability to bear fruit solely from its connection to the vine, the believer finds spiritual vitality only through an abiding relationship with Christ. This connection is not optional but essential for the sustenance of the new life.
John 15:5 (NASB)
’I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
The Renewal of Values
Embracing the Gospel over time necessitates a radical shift in values. Paul utilizes the imagery of a wardrobe to describe the ethical shift required of the believer, commanding the “putting off” of the old self. These “old clothes” represent sinful patterns, such as immorality, greed, and abusive speech, which are inconsistent with a life in Christ. This process is not a means of earning a place in God’s family; rather, it is the act of living in a manner consistent with the new name and nature already granted through grace.
Colossians 3:5-9 (NASB)
Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, [and] abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its [evil] practices,
Despite the change in identity, believers continue to experience a persistent tension between the spirit and the flesh. The presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit does not immediately eliminate the struggles of the human nature. Even the most mature followers of Christ recognize the internal conflict where the desire to do good is often met with the reality of human weakness.
Romans 7:18 (NASB)
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good [is] not.
Transformation, however, is not merely subtractive; it is also additive. As the old self is discarded, the believer is called to “put on” the new self. This involves cultivating a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, and patience. Central to this new wardrobe of the soul is the practice of forgiveness and the bond of love, which serves as the perfect unifying force within the community of faith.
Colossians 3:10-14 (NASB)
and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him– [a renewal] in which there is no [distinction between] Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things [put on] love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
The Perspective of Gratitude
A vital component of the lifelong embrace of the Gospel is the adoption of a new perspective characterized by the peace of Christ and a spirit of gratitude. Believers are often susceptible to the “tyranny of the negatives,” where a single hardship can overshadow a multitude of divine blessings. The discipline of gratitude reorients the mind, allowing the Word of Christ to dwell richly within and transforming every word and deed into an act of worship.
Colossians 3:15-17 (NASB)
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms [and] hymns [and] spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
The Divine-Human Synergy in Growth
The question of responsibility in spiritual growth—whether it belongs to God or to the individual—is answered with a theological synergy. Scripture teaches that God is the primary agent of change, initiating and perfecting the work within the heart of the believer through His Spirit.
Philippians 1:6 (NASB)
[For I am] confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Simultaneously, the believer is commanded to participate actively in this process. This is not a passive waiting for maturity, but an intentional “working out” of one’s salvation with reverence. While salvation is a free gift received by faith, the maturation of that faith requires a daily commitment to walk in obedience and to put to death the remnants of the old self.
Philippians 2:12 (NASB)
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;
Ultimately, Gospel transformation is rarely a linear path of perfection. It is often messy, marked by two steps forward and one step back. However, the standard for the Christian is not immediate perfection but persistent progress. By forgetting what lies behind and pressing on toward the goal, the believer embraces the reality that the walk of faith is a journey that lasts a lifetime.
Philippians 3:12-14 (NASB)
Not that I have already obtained [it] or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of [it] yet; but one thing [I do]: forgetting what [lies] behind and reaching forward to what [lies] ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.