Be Thankful: You Have Been Raised in Christ Alone

Paul continues his exhortation: be thankful that you have been raised in Christ alone.

“In which you also were raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.”

Paul describes to the Colossian believers their completeness in Christ. They were raised with Him—made spiritually alive together with Christ. This spiritual life is theirs because they are united with Christ in His resurrection.

The Resurrection: Christ’s Triumph and Our Union

Paul directs the Colossians away from themselves to the past event of Christ’s resurrection. As one commentator notes, Christ’s triumph over death was not in isolation but with His people in mind. Paul reminds them that, just as Christ was raised from the dead, they are raised to walk in newness of life.

While false teachers promoted man’s works and a supposed higher spirituality, Paul urges the Colossians to remain faithful to the truth that their salvation and life are in Christ alone. They have already died, been buried, and been raised with Christ—past tense.

Raised with Christ: A Reality of New Life

The false teachers offered promises of a higher spiritual life, but Paul counters: You’ve already been raised with Christ. This is not about perfection or future glory, but a present reality. They have already been made spiritually alive.

Through Christ’s death, the penalty and power of sin have been canceled, and Satan and his demons disarmed. The life of God now dwells in their souls because they are in Christ.

How Are We Raised? By Faith Alone

Paul explains how the Colossians were raised: through faith. This faith is not a work of man but a gift of God’s grace. Paul underscores this in Ephesians 2:8-9:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Faith is the empty hand that receives Christ and rests on His work. It is not mustered by human effort but is given by God. This gift points believers back to the Giver, stirring them to thankfulness.

The Basis of Our Resurrection: The Power of God

The basis of being raised with Christ is not faith itself, nor works, nor even sanctification. The basis is the action of the Triune God—Father, Son, and Spirit. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in the souls of believers.

Paul reminds the Colossians that their representative, Christ, has already gone before them. In His death and resurrection, He accomplished all that was needed. They are complete in Him.

The Present and Eternal Reality of Being in Christ

Paul exhorts believers to remember that they are complete in Christ. Though not yet glorified, they have been transferred from a state of sin and misery into one of holiness and happiness in Christ.

This reality changes everything—regardless of life circumstances, temptations, or trials. Because they are in Christ, they are able to put off the old self and live in newness of life by the sanctifying power of the Spirit.

A Call to Thanksgiving in Prayer

Paul urges believers to give thanks for who they are in Christ. Prayer is a chief expression of thankfulness. As Hercules Collins observed, prayer is both a means of receiving God’s grace and a response of gratitude.

Daily, believers should recount: I have died with Christ, been buried with Christ, and been raised with Christ.

A Plea to the Unbeliever: Come to Christ

For those outside of Christ, Paul’s message is clear: you are dead in sin. Come to Christ, turn from sin, and rest in Him alone for salvation. Based on the authority of Scripture, all who believe in Christ are saved and safe forevermore.

Thanksgiving to God: The Work of Grace Alone

John Owen wrote, “There is no duty that leaves a more heavenly savor in the soul than this duty.” Let us, then, take up the duty of giving thanks to God for who we are in Christ alone.

“We give thanks, O Lord, that we have died with Christ, been buried with Him, and been raised with Him. Though we are not yet glorified, we rejoice that we are justified, sanctified, and secure in Him.”

“Be Thankful For Who You Are In Christ Alone” sermon (Colossians 2:11-12)