(The following is the September 9 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Colossians 2 and pay close attention to verses 6-15.)

One reason Paul wrote to the Colossian church was to counter a heresy regarding the sufficiency of Christ for salvation. False teachers promoted visions and ascetic self-denial as components of salvation.

Paul told believers, “So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude” (vv. 6-7). Christ’s saving work on the cross is enough for all who repent and trust in him. Since their salvation came through receiving Christ as Lord, it was vital that they “continue to live in him,” not depending on Christ plus something of their own doing.

False teachers at Colossae wanted believers to take a different approach. Paul warned them, “Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ. For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ, and you have been filled by him, who is the head over every ruler and authority” (vv. 8-10). Christ’s work for our salvation is enough. To suggest otherwise is to claim his sinless life, sacrificial death, and resurrection were inadequate, in which case we remain hopelessly lost in our sins. Instead, we build on Christ, the solid rock of our faith, submitting to him and his Word to “continue to live in him, being rooted and built up in him.”

What a joy it is to grow in Christ, in the knowledge of his Word and the fruit of the Spirit. Knowing that he accomplished everything needed for our salvation should be a source of comfort and gratitude.

Next Step:
Have you ever believed your salvation depends on Christ’s work plus something else you must do? How does Colossians 1-2 change such thinking?