Apostle Paul’s epistle to the Colossian Christians began with grace and ended with grace. All that it reveals to us from chapters one to four is the expansion, explanation and the work of grace. The acronym ‘GRACE’ stands for God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Everything that believers enjoy in Christ Jesus is by grace, not on the basis of merit or good works. Our redemption and preservation in the kingdom is by God’s grace. God’s grace works supernatural wonders in the life of His children.

The entire book of Colossians reveals God’s provisions for believers through His grace, mercy and love.

Also, it highlights Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary for the redemption of mankind. By God’s grace, believers’ needs are met, their prayers are answered, they enjoy divine visitation and obtain the Christian experiences that make them walk in godliness and ready for heaven.

Man’s redemption was at Christ’s expense. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” It is obvious that no one can obtain the inheritance, which God has prepared for His children without cleansing in Christ’s blood. Redemption means that Christ purchased us from the slave market of sin through His blood and pardoned and cleansed our sins.

Although history chronicled the acts of some famous and heroic men, none of them qualified to redeem man from the bondage of sin. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved,” (Acts 4:12). God’s promise of man’s redemption was fulfilled through the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. To receive pardon and forgiveness, and qualify to enter God’s holy kingdom, sinners must recognise Jesus Christ as the only Way, and confess and forsake their sins. We can only enter God’s great and glorious kingdom through the door of grace.

Apart from the miracle of healing, deliverance, fruitfulness, provision, promotion, among others, which believers enjoy, the origin and climax of God’s visitation is redemption of humanity from the bondage of sin. “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people. To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins.” Our redemption in Jesus Christ is by faith.

Therefore, people who attempt to obtain salvation by their good works or by being religious cannot experience the forgiveness and peace of mind that God’s grace brings. Redemption through Jesus Christ takes away the burden and guilt of sin. We must, therefore, accept, believe and confess our redemption in Jesus Christ, which qualifies us to enjoy other blessings of the kingdom.

• Further Reading (King James Version): Colossians 1: 1, 2; 4:18. Colossians 1:14; Romans 3:23,24; Luke 1:68,77; Titus 2:11,12,14.