five life-changing phrases

By Doug Brown, Lead Pastor

Did you know that grammar can change your life?

It is important to pay attention to commas, spelling and proper phrasing. Here is an example from a church bulletin. “The Sermon this morning: Jesus Walks on Water. The Sermon tonight: Searching for Jesus.”

In the message to the Colossians, Paul uses five prepositions that are indeed life changing. The first prepositional phrase is “in Christ” (verses 1:2,4,14,22; 2:6,7,10,11). God puts us “in Christ” the moment we believe in the gospel. This has to do with our standing before God. Because we are in Christ, God no longer regards us as sinners but saints.

A second preposition is “with Christ” (see 2:12-13; 3:1,3-4). This has to do with our identification. We identify with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As a result, our sins are fully paid for. We have new life forevermore.

Paul doesn’t stop there. He declares that we have our ultimate victory “through Christ” (see verses 1:16,20,22; 2:15). It is through Christ that all enemy forces against God have been defeated, including the devil himself. Jesus is the champion of champions and the conqueror of conquerors.

“For Christ” is another prepositional phrase used by Paul (see verses 1:15-16). This preposition gives us the basis for significant living and real purpose. We are created by God for God to be in relationship with God. Without this prepositional idea, we are left in the dark as to why we are here and who we are.

One of the most important prepositional phrases is found in Colossians 1:27 — “Christ in us” (see verses 1:26-27). The first phrase, in Christ, has to do with our standing before God — our justification. This preposition, Christ in us, has to do with our transformation and sanctification. Those who are in Christ also have Christ living in them. Without Him in us, we have no power to live a life that is pleasing to God. But with Christ living in us (through the indwelling Holy Spirit) we have the supernatural power of God available to each one of us in order to be transformed into the image of Christ.

These prepositions describe the very essence of Christianity. You will notice a Christian’s life revolves around none other and nothing else but Jesus Christ.

Christ in us is our hope of glory.