Westwinds

Sunday, March 21, 2010

The Supreme Tao of Jesus: A Commentary on Colossians

Colossians 2.6-15

Paul says that Christ “disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities,” shaming them “publically by his victory over them on the cross”.  Paul describes Christ’s death on the cross in terms of a rescue operation that has liberated humanity from the slavery of sin’s dark power.  Christ is the Victor over the hostile powers that hold the world in bondage.

“The work of Christ is first and foremost a victory over the powers which hold mankind in bondage:  sin, death, and the devil.”  Gustav Aulen, Christus Victor

The basic idea behind this thinking is that our slavery to sin required a ransom be paid – like in a hostage negotiation – in order for us to be set free.

Jesus paid the ransom—indeed, that was the primary reason he came into this world as a man:

“The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Mark 10.45.

“There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.”  I Timothy 2.5-6

Teachings Atlases for the Colossians series are available at SoundWords.  Besides some great reading, after each section there some elements of spiritual formation to help you do something for your soul, church, relationships and world ... and all for the low cost of $20.