What does 'if ye continue in the faith' mean in Col.1:23?
A lot of people read the verse below and think that it means they can lose their salvation, or more specifically, their reconciliation with God, which is specified in verse 22. Let's take a look at what this passage of scripture is saying.
Col 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he RECONCILED (22) In the body of his flesh through death, TO PRESENT YOU holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: (23) IF YE CONTINUE IN THE FAITH grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; ... (28) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may PRESENT every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Note: I have capped certain key words for emphasis. Now, let's work through what Paul wrote and look at the proper context to learn what is really being said here.
"And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he RECONCILED."
