The Necessity of Faith (1:21-23)

Opening Thoughts and Overview

• Why spend a whole session on these few verses?

• Walking through Colossians 1:21-23…

Theological Issues Raised in 1:21-23

• Universalism

  • Why does this issue matter?

  • What motivates the current growth of universalism?

  • Does this view hold up to scrutiny? Why not?

• Calvinism

  • How do I interpret Colossians 1:21-23?

  • What is a (typical) “Calvinist” reading of Colossians 1:21-23?

  • Where do we agree?

Questions for Discussion and Reflection

• When “theological” debates begin, how do you feel?

• Why is it valuable for you to think through such things?

• Why do you think universalism is on the rise? Do you find this idea compelling? Do you think it aligns with Scripture? Why or why not?

• With respect to Calvinism, which interpretation do you find more satisfactory? Do you think this is an issue the church should divide over?

• Why is it important to end by focusing on areas where we agree?