Colossians 1:23
“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;”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →This standing holds as they remain grounded and steadfast in the faith, not shifting from the hope of the gospel they heard -- the gospel Paul serves.
What Does Colossians 1:23 Mean?
Paul adds a sober note to the assurance of verse 22. The blameless standing Christ gives is meant to be lived in: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled. Perseverance is the natural shape of genuine reconciliation.
He pictures stability with building language -- grounded and settled, like a structure on firm foundation -- and warns against being moved away from the hope of the gospel by the smooth talk of false teachers. This is not anxious striving to stay saved but loyal continuance in the truth they already received. Paul then stakes his own role on it: this gospel preached to every creature is the one he, Paul, serves as a minister. The same good news that began their faith is the one to hold fast. Drifting is the danger; remaining is the call. Christ keeps those who keep to him.