The Christ Life in an Alienated World
The Beauty of Holiness in Character and Conduct
Col.3: 12-17 (NKJ)
In Paul's extended treatment of the new life in Christ which began in Col. 2: 9, he has affirmed our union with Christ, our circumcision (death to sin), our burial with Christ, our full forgiveness and freedom from law keeping with the total defeat of our adversary (2:11-15). He then spells out our full freedom from rules and regulations, a legalism that only promotes false humility and self effort, resulting in greater pride (2:16-19). Our death with Christ and our standing in Christ is God's ultimate answer to the gratification of the flesh (2:20-23). On the assured basis of our resurrection with Christ, Paul enjoins us to set our affections, our mind on things above where Christ is enthroned. Ours is a hidden life with God in Christ (Col. 3: 1-4). What a heritage is ours now and without exception!
After establishing our position in Christ, he squarely confronts the sins of the flesh, fornication, uncleanness, sexual perversion. He is fully aware of the vestiges of the old life that Christ "crossed" out once and for all at the Cross (Col. 3: 5-7). There must be zero tolerance toward the former lifestyle. But he deals as directly with the seldom faced sins of attitudes and relationships, sins of the tongue and temper. These were equally judged at the Cross (Col. 3: 8-11). A new man, a new dynamic is now at work in us. It is not our doing but his having done it. Ours is only to believe, trust and give thanks. The Holy Spirit is ready to provide the grace. It's ours to trust and commit our will.
With this summary behind us, Paul will define what constitutes holiness, not the absence of sins, but the presence of the gentler virtues that Christ in us brings as an expression of his life, not ours (Col. 3:12-14). Self righteousness consists in what we don't do, but Christ's righteousness is who he is and what he does in us. There is a world of difference in kind and quality. The former produces spiritual pride, the later yields genuine humility.
"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies . . ." (Col. 3:12). We are immediately struck by the virtues that reveal Christ in us. Not miracles, signs and wonders, not power encounters but tender mercies, gentleness, simple kindness, lowliness of mind, meekness, graciousness and patience. By sharp contrast Paul denounced the harshness of anger and wrath, slander and filthy talk and deceit (vs.8, 9). What constitutes Christ in you and me is holy character and conduct. Holiness is the litmus test of Christ in me. How I am before him, how do I treat my wife, my neighbor and my critic this is the true test of my standing before God. My abilities, my gifts, my reputation – my assets don't appear in God's definition of holiness. Out of brokenness has come a new standard of values that are genuine and carry the stamp of Christ's approval.
David, a man after God's own heart, expressed it well: "Give to the LORD, O kindreds of the peoples, bring an offering and come before him. Oh worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness" (1 Chron.16; 29; Psa. 29:2). Where does the beauty of holiness shine most brightly? " . . . bearing with one another, and forgiving (yourselves) one another, if any have a complaint (a debt to be remitted, a cause of complaint) against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do" (Col. 3:13). In every interpersonal relationship where tensions rise and grievances are tolerated and remembered, the mark of holiness is a full forgiveness in the spirit in which He forgave us. The flesh cannot do this; this is beyond its reach. But Christ in you can forebear and forgive and give no ground to the enemy. These are all the positive virtues that Christ brings.
But Paul has more to say as he climaxes the passage: "and above all these things, put on love which is the bond of perfection" (Col. 3:14). Some see this as an outer robe that covers all other attractive attire or a belt that holds in proper place all other virtues. Whatever may be the picture, love, ultimately God's love, is the highest, holiest self sacrificing love for the benefit of others without distinction. It is not mere sentiment, but rather the seeking of the spiritual best for the object of God's love and ours.
Two further counsels round out the positive message of the beauty of holiness. Its essence is love, gentleness, kindness, humility in God's presence and man's, meekness or graciousness in all relationships. This is Paul's equivalent to the fruit of the Spirit of Gal. 5: 22-24. The first counsel is to let the peace of Christ act as an umpire, be the arbitrator of every heart relationship. The rest of faith issues in the peace of Christ himself that decides the issues at stake. It is not our cleverness or discernment but that deep assurance of Christ in me that clarifies what is confused and defines the course of action. Above all the value to be guarded is the community of spirit among those who are members with us in the body of Christ. It is not self seeking but others oriented that decides the issues at stake.
The second counsel is to let the word of Christ become a permanent part of our being in all wisdom. There is an indirect reference to the word of God, the truth as revealed in Jesus, but a more direct reference to the abiding presence of the indwelling Christ. He lives in us and wants to become our lodestar, a constant point of departure. This underscores the role of the Holy Spirit as he glorifies Christ and reveals him to us (John 16: 13-15). The word of Christ will be heard in psalms, an Old Testament reference, hymns or compositions of the saints in the church age and spiritual songs, the freedom of the Spirit to add new dimensions to the beauty of holiness. The word of Christ dwells richly and reveals itself in singing, the expression of the peace and joy that only Christ can give (John 14: 27: 15:11).
Paul sums it all up in: "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Col. 3:17). Life in Christ is a life characterized by two things: song and gratitude. Victory over sin has been provided and is taken by faith. From that reality will spring the virtues of Christ and provide the grace to face the daily relationships that Paul will introduce in Col. 3: 18-4:1: marriage, children and servant/master. Paul is convinced that the transformed life springs from the Cross, our union with Christ in death to sin and resurrection life, all ours by the grace of God through simple faith and obedience.
Gordon E. Johnson
May 1, 2006
