Read Part Three: The Triumph of the Cross

In Colossians two, Paul highlights that on the cross Christ overcame all structures and systems, all powers and authorities.

A new dominion 

In His resurrection and ascension, we are also raised into a new realm and a new way of being. We are also raised to a new dominion, where the only power and authority, expression of worship and declaration of Truth, is God’s. The principles of heaven always are, always have been, and always will be. They will never fade and never end, unlike the principles of this world, which are all destined to perish, with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings.

Perhaps it is for this reason that Paul writes in Colossians 3:1-2:

'Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.'

In danger of cheapening God's grace 

However, If we were to stop reading the book of Colossians at this point and say ‘I see, so God threw away the rule book’, then we would be in danger of cheapening the generosity of God’s grace, and the power of the cross. Whilst the cross did change everything in that now we can freely approach and relate to God without ritual or works, the cross also highlighted a few rules:

1. There is full equality at the cross - for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God 

2. If you want to come to God the Father, the only way is through Jesus the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit - 'I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father but by me.' (John 14:6)

3. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind, and love your neighbour as yourself.

In this letter, Paul also highlighted these rules

1. Paul says in Colossians 3:11 that there is: 'no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, Barbarian, Scythian, slave or free.' 

2. In Colossians 1:21-22 he says:  'Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your mind because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.'