S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Colossians 1:27 is a powerful verse: "God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Let's start by clarifying that...

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March 02 2016 • 3 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does it mean that Christ in us is the hope of glory?

The hope of glory is the fulfilment of God's promise to restore us and all creation (see Romans 8:19–21 and 1 Peter 5:10).

"Christ in us, the hope of glory" (from Colossians 1:27) means that the living presence of Jesus Christ inside a believer is the guarantee of their future eternal life and the power for their present transformation.

Colossians 1:27 ESV: "To whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

Paul tells the Colossians that "the hope of glory" is "Christ in you" (Col. 1:27). Those who have Christ dwelling in them (by his Spirit) have the hope that they will one day share in the glory of his resurrection (Rom. 5–8).

Conclusion

This is where the Bible uses language that is almost too good to be true. Colossians 1:26-27 says, "The mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to His saints… which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." This verse reveals the Christ in you, meaning that God's presence is no longer distant but living within every believer.

The "mystery" of Christ mentioned in verse 26 was both for Jews and Gentiles. Colossians 1:26 ESV "even the mystery which hath been hid for ages and generations: but now hath it been manifested to his saints."

In addition to mystery, Paul here notes God's sovereignty, which is His perfect and all-encompassing knowledge and control. The revelation came only when God chose to make it happen. This mystery was "great" both in content and impact among the Gentiles, including the Colossian believers.

Interestingly, this is the one place in Paul's letters where he uses the explicit phrase "in you." He seeks to make the gospel message very personal for these Colossian Christians, whom he has never personally met. 

With Christ in you, as a saved believer, you have the "hope of glory."1 John 3:2 -3 ESV: "Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is. 3, And every one that hath this hope set on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."

Hope helps keep the Christian in a clean way of life, for he knows that God, in whom the hope lies, is pure and that he cannot hope to be like God and to receive the reward if he practices uncleanness or unrighteousness. (1Jo 3:2, 3)

It is closely allied with the greatest quality, love, for one having the true love of God will also have hope in all of God’s promises. And he will, additionally, hope the very best for his brothers in the faith, loving them and trusting their sincerity of heart in Christ.​

11 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report