Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son Colossians 1:13 KJV

Paul begins his letter to the Colossians with a greeting emphasizing grace and peace. He follows this with thanksgiving and prayer. Specifically, Colossians 1:9-14 reveals Paul’s prayer on behalf of the faithful in Colossae. In this, Paul prays for their spiritual growth and fruitfulness in their good works. In addition, Paul prays for strength in relation to the church’s endurance and patience. Finally,  Paul gives thanks for deliverance from sin and translation into the kingdom of Christ Jesus. 

What then is the power of darkness? The power of darkness is sin and death. Before coming to repentance through the conviction of the Holy Spirit, each of us was subject to sin. And, as we read in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. KJV” Paying for our sin in the cross, God delivered the faithful from sin and death through the sacrifice of our sinless Savior.  Jesus Christ removes the power that sin had over our lives. 

God’s Beloved Son

The word interpreted as “translated” is the Greek word “metestēsen.” This is sometimes interpreted as “transferred,” “brought,” or “delivered.” It indicates our transformation or change from serving the flesh into spiritual lives of obedience and service to God. In addition, this transformation includes the promise of eternal life in the kingdom of heaven. 

His “dear Son” is of course our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Other translations use the term “beloved Son.” This is how Mathew 3:17 records God’s response to baptism of Jesus as it says, “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. KJV” Born again in the Spirit, we are translated into the kingdom of heaven. As Jesus says in John 3:5, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. KJV”    

Yesterday’s Devotional: The Son of Man