If Indeed You Continue -Colossians 1:21-23

Colossians 1:21-23 ESV
And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Our hope may wax and wane, our spirits grow weak or strong, and at times we may mourn and sing for joy at others, but if we persevere in our faith and trust in Jesus, we will claim our inheritance as sons and daughters of our Father.

In numerous passages we encounter the word, "if". This is a translation of the Greek word,

ει a contingency marker – 1. used to set the stage for consideration of an event or course of action, with aspects of contingency nuanced by use of various moods and tenses, thus eliciting the rendering if for prefatory ει – (CEGL)

Salvation has always rested on obedience to God. Obedience has always rested on choice. From Genesis to Revelation, this has been the core requirement and dynamic in our relationship with God. Believing and obedience has never been a static, or one-time thing. It has always been an ongoing and living conversation of life, the abiding. It is through His mercy and forgiveness that we are able, through our Lord Jesus Christ.


2 Peter 2:18-21
For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. 20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.

John 15:9-10
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.

Galatians 5:7
You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?

Galatians 6:9-10
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Hebrews 3:6
but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.