Scripture | “…giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13–14
Observation | In verses 12 thru 14 we learn that true believers previously belonged to and lived under the authority of a kingdom of darkness. Scripture consistently illustrates a blunt contrast between the broad way that says it leads to heaven when it does not, and the narrow way that truly leads to Father (Matt 7:13–14).
As we consider verse 12 (Col 1:12) we see that scripture refers to those who are “rescued” as “saints in light.” These are the ones who “walk in the light” according to 1 John 1:7. There is another lesson here about what God considers a “saint.” The church has historically defined saints as those who have reached some hight of holiness. Maybe this comes from a literal translation of the original word for saint, “hagios,” as “holy one.”
Who are these “holy ones?” According to God in verse 12, these saints are also referred to as “us.” That is, himself and all of his readers. Including “us” today. This “us” is used again in verse 12 and 13. There it refers to those who are rescued from the domain of darkness. Those in the kingdom of His beloved Son. Those who have been redeemed and forgiven of their sins.
The conclusion then is that “saints” refers to those who truly believe. They are “holy ones” because positionally they are seen as perfectly holy in standing before the Father. They are further “holy ones” because they are increasingly maturing in holy practice, but not perfectly until they are brought to glory.
Coming back to the contrast of the light and darkness in scripture, we learn that those who come to the light, do so despite the light exposing all of their deeds (Jn 3:19–21). What joy we have that once we lived under the authority of and walked in the darkness. And now, we who truly believe have been redeemed and brought under the authority of the kingdom of the Son, never to be owned by the kingdom of darkness again! Through Not just any son, but the very Son of the heavenly Father’s love. The same Son who has forgiven our sins. And yet, even though our sins are still revealed by the light of truth, we walk in the light with forgiveness. Forgiveness that makes us perfectly holy in position, and yet growing in holy practice still. From such a blessed place, it would be insane to turn back and walk in the darkness again. For we are free of its authority and we love the one who rescued us from it if we truly believe.
With our understanding of the contrasts between the two kingdoms of light and darkness, it becomes evident that those in darkness lack the ability to see, while those who walk in the light have clarity through the revealed Word of God. Those without the light are forced to grasp in the dark and find their own way, resulting in blind versions of truth. Yet us who walk in the light can see clearly. How? By the revealed Word of God. The truth of who we are as sinful man, who God is and His Son as Savior and Lord are revealed. We needlessly walk like those in the darkness when we have the light. We needlessly wander when the Word of truth is there to guide us in the way of truth. Sadly, today such a way is so ‘out there’ and ‘religiously strict’ that many have forsaken its ancient path.
Application | As we examine our lives, it is crucial to consider whether we are living for the kingdom of darkness while residing in the kingdom of light. Ask yourselves these questions: Do I shrink back from the illuminating exposure of the light of truth? If so, in which areas do I need to repent? Do I humbly except the correction of a literal understanding of God’s holy Word? Do I submit myself to the Lordship of the kingdom I now belong to because He redeemed and has forgiven me? Or do I live for the kingdom of darkness while living in the kingdom of light?
Prayer | Father, having my sins exposed is painful. Give me joy in receiving correction from Your Word of truth and through Your true church. Humble my heart to see that it is not because I am great or even good that You have loved me and saved me. So, that I may be joyfully molded and transformed into Your image, reflecting Your light to those around me. Forgive me today. Wash me and make me new. That I might live for You, my king and Lord who has saved me and purchased me with the blood of Your Son. All for Your glory alone. Amen.
