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#9.
The "presentation" and "inheritance" of Col. 1: 22, 28
and Col. 1: 12 & 3: 24 compared.
pp. 194 - 196
We have shown that to attempt to compare the teaching of James, concerning the
"perfecting" of the believer, with Paul's concerning the justification of the ungodly, leads
to confusion and false statements. The epistle to the Colossians provides an illustration
of trying these "things that differ", for the false principles that we have seen would rob
the reader of the truth of the epistle of James will, if applied here, rob him of the truth as
taught by Paul in Colossians. We might take the word "present" that occurs twice in
Col. 1: One could take his stand upon verse 22 and repudiate the apostle's desire to
present every man perfect that is found in verse 28. Another, coming upon verse 28 first,
might conceivably criticize the doctrine of verse 22 as "dangerous", yet who can fail to
see that both passages teach glorious truth, but two passages in the balance, in order that
our faith may comprehend truth as a whole.
"In the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and
unreproveable in His sight" (Col. 1: 22).
"Warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present
every man perfect in Christ Jesus" (Col. 1: 28).
Here are two separate statements. (1) Christ's presentation of the believer. (2) Paul's
presentation of the believer. Christ's presentation is "in the body of His flesh through
death", Paul's presentation is by "warning and teaching". Christ will present the believer
"holy", Paul desires to present the same believer "perfect". These passages contain the
only reference to peristemi in Colossians. Col. 1: 22 is basic truth, and can give no place
for "works", Col. 1: 28, is subsequent truth, and contemplates the believer as amenable
to "warning". Col. 1: 22 is parallel with Paul's basic doctrine of justification by faith
without works, and Col. 1: 28 is comparable with James' teaching of the "perfecting" of
faith by works, subsequent to salvation. In neither case is there contradiction, the
subjects differ as do foundation from superstructure, or as root from fruit. Can "holiness"
be perfected? The reader who is unacquainted with the epistles of Paul might
conceivably answer this question with an emphatic negative. Yet he would be wrong, for
Paul uses the very expression "perfecting holiness" (II Cor. 7: 1). If we turn aside for a
moment to consider the context of this important expression, we shall better appreciate
the intentions of the apostle in Col. 1: 22-28.
II Cor. 6: 14 - 7: 1.
A1 |
6: 14, 16. No unequal yoke.
B1
| 6: 16. Reason. Ye are Temple. I will dwell.
A2 |
6: 17. Separation.
B2
| 6: 17, 18. Reason. I will receive, be a Father.
A3 |
7: 1. Perfecting holiness."