Summary of Colossians 1:12-14

In this section, Paul recalls three great truths about the work God does in Christian’s lives, for which we are to be thankful: 1) God has qualified Christians to share in his inheritance; 2) God has delivered Christians from the domain of darkness; and 3) God has transferred Christians into his kingdom.

12 “giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.”

First, we are to be thankful that God has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints. It is the Father who qualified us (”us” = Christians). You either know God as Father or Judge. If he is your Father, he has qualified you to share in an inheritance. That God is called Father here emphasizes the intimate relationship God has with his children. God the Father gives this good gift, the inheritance, to his kids. Notice also that God is doing the qualifying. We couldn’t qualify ourselves. We are, in a sense, a “laughing heir” because apart from Christ we were opposed to God. (Ephesians 2:1-3, 2:12, 4:17-19).

The inheritance we are qualified for is at least two things. 1) Eternal life. (Matthew 19:29). Eternal life means not just long life, but speaks of a quality of life. 2) All the promises of God. (Hebrews 6:11-12).

This inheritance will last forever (Hebrews 9:15) and we are assured of this inheritance by the guarantee of our inheritance, the Holy Spirit indwelling us (Ephesians 1:13-14, 18).

13a “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness”

Second, we are to be thankful that God delivered us. Delivered means to be rescued or “to draw to oneself.” God took us from Satan to himself. “Domain of darkness” refers to the jurisdiction of supernatural forces marshaled against God, i.e. Satan, the ruler of this world.

13b “and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,”

Third, we are to be thankful that God transferred us to his kingdom. Our Father rescues us and then puts us in his kingdom. The Father has given his kingdom to his Son, and then to everyone who loves his Son. The kingdom is a spiritual reality whereby Christ rules in the hearts of those who believe in him.

13c “in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins”

In his Son, we have redemption and forgiveness of sins. Redemption means the sinner stands before God a slave to sin, but is granted freedom. Forgiveness means the sinner stands before God a debtor to God, but the debt is paid and forgotten. These are two separate realities describing the same unifying reality, salvation.