“which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth”
and knew the grace of God in truth
The Colossians should have fully understood the grace of God and should have been immune to the false teaching spreading in their area.
A major characteristic of the true gospel is that it is a gospel of grace. Some preach a gospel of works (Gal.1:6-7). The true gospel is grace plus nothing (Rom. 11:6; Eph 2:8-9).
The heretics of Paul’s day were preaching the gospel of legalism. “The grace of God in truth” is the grace of God without adulteration. It is the grace of God in its simplicity. The message was one of undiluted grace. The gospel came as an act of grace on God’s part. It was a message from God, not men. God took the initiative.
PRINCIPLE:
Grace and works are mutually exclusive.
APPLICATION:
Grace and works are mutually exclusive,
Rom. 11:6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.
We cannot gain God’s favor by merit (Gal. 2:21). Jesus won God’s favor by his merit. True Christianity rests in the provision of Christ’s death upon the cross. Jesus’ death satisfies the just demands of an absolutely holy God. This is true both for becoming a Christian and living the Christian life.
