Meaning of Colossians 2:6

This verse from Colossians 2:6 serves as a foundational exhortation for believers, emphasizing the continuity of their faith journey from its inception. Having initially embraced Jesus Christ, recognizing Him as Lord, the imperative is to sustain this relationship and conduct life in Him. This is not merely about acknowledging Christ's lordship once, but about an ongoing, immersive existence where His authority and presence shape every aspect of a believer's being and actions. The phrase "continue to live your lives in him" signifies a life deeply rooted and sustained by Christ, mirroring a plant drawing nourishment from the soil or a limb remaining vital by being attached to the vine. It’s a call to a dynamic, abiding relationship, not a static profession of faith.

Context and Background

The letter to the Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul, likely from prison, to address specific challenges faced by the church in Colossae. A syncretistic philosophy, blending elements of Jewish legalism, Gnostic speculation, and possibly local pagan practices, was subtly undermining the church's understanding of Christ's sufficiency. This false teaching threatened to diminish Christ's unique role and elevate human traditions or spiritual experiences above Him. In this context, Paul's primary goal is to exalt Christ as supreme and sufficient, and to urge believers to remain firmly anchored in Him, rejecting any competing philosophies or practices that would draw them away from true spiritual life. Colossians 2:6, therefore, stands as a crucial transition, moving from Paul's assertion of Christ's supremacy (Colossians 1) to his practical instructions on how believers should live in light of that truth.

Key Themes and Messages

• Reception of Christ: The verse begins with "just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord." This points to the initial act of faith, the moment of conversion where individuals accepted Jesus not just as a savior, but as the supreme authority and ruler of their lives. This reception was a divine enablement, a gift of grace.
• Abiding in Christ: The core command is "continue to live your lives in him." This emphasizes a continuous, progressive, and dependent relationship. It's about dwelling, walking, and functioning within the sphere of Christ's influence and life.
• Christ as Lord: The explicit recognition of Jesus as "Lord" is paramount. This isn't just a title, but an acknowledgment of His sovereign authority over all creation and, specifically, over the believer's life.
• Holistic Discipleship: The instruction to "live your lives" implies a comprehensive commitment that encompasses thoughts, actions, attitudes, and relationships. It’s not about compartmentalizing faith, but integrating it into the entirety of one's existence.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance of Colossians 2:6 lies in its call to an integrated and continuous discipleship. It reminds believers that their faith is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of living in dependence on Christ. To live "in him" means drawing spiritual life, wisdom, strength, and direction from Christ Himself. This involves actively cultivating a relationship through prayer, Scripture engagement, fellowship, and obedience. Practically, this means making decisions, facing challenges, and interacting with the world from the perspective of Christ's lordship. It's about allowing His principles to guide our conduct and His love to motivate our actions, thereby resisting the temptation to rely on self or external systems for spiritual fulfillment or guidance.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse resonates with the overarching biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan, which centers on restoring humanity's relationship with Him through Christ. From the creation mandate to the new creation in Revelation, God desires to dwell with His people and have them live in accordance with His will. Jesus Himself spoke of this abiding relationship in John 15:4, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." Colossians 2:6 is a practical outworking of this divine invitation to union and dependence, essential for bearing spiritual fruit and fulfilling God's purposes. It underscores the centrality of Christ as the mediator and sustainer of this renewed relationship.

Analogies

• The Vine and the Branches (John 15:1-10): Just as a branch must remain attached to the vine to receive life and produce fruit, believers must remain in Christ to live a spiritually vibrant life.
• A City Built on a Foundation: Our faith, once received in Christ, is built upon Him as the cornerstone. Continuing to live in Him means building our lives on that solid foundation, ensuring stability and integrity.
• A Ship in Harbor: Receiving Christ is like docking in a safe harbor. Continuing to live in Him is like remaining securely anchored in that harbor, protected from storms and receiving provisions, rather than venturing out into dangerous seas alone.

Relation to Other Verses

• John 15:4: "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." This verse directly echoes the idea of continuous dependence and life derived from Christ.
• Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." This highlights the indwelling Christ and the life lived by faith in Him, a profound expression of living in Him.
• Ephesians 2:10: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." This verse complements Colossians 2:6 by explaining the purpose of living in Christ – to walk in good works that God has ordained.
• Colossians 3:1-4: "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." This passage further elaborates on what it means to live "in him" by directing believers' focus and affections toward Christ.