If-Then

Deductive reasoning and logic statements such as "if-then" statements have been around for thousands of years. In mathematics "if-then" statements are also known as conditional statements. The "if" is the condition, the "then" is the resulting conclusion. This is shown as a p -> q  this would be read as "if" p "then" q.  The statement should be true in its converse as well in that q ->p or "if" q "then" p.

So what in the world does this have to do with theology?

Well the Apostle Paul in Colossians 3, knowing the logic-based approach to life found in the region around Colossae, offered his audience an "if-then" approach to the Christian life. Listen to what says in Colossians 3:1-11

"So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Therefore, put to death what belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, God’s wrath is coming upon the disobedient, and you once walked in these things when you were living in them. But now, put away all the following: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your Creator. In Christ there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all."

Do you see the "if-then"? Paul is presenting the logical course of action that "IF" you have been raised with Christ, "then you should" seek the things above. He follows that statement in further detail on how we are to do that with the "therefore" statement in verse 5. "Therefore" (if we have been raised with Christ) we are to put to death what belongs to our earthly natures.

The emphasis in this passage is on the believer's relationship with Christ. We died with Christ. Thus we live in Christ.

Let's simplify this (this might be an oversimplification but true none the less) IF we are truly in Christ THEN we should live as if we are. Paul in Galatians 2:20 phrases it like this:"I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." 

If we are to follow Christ, it should be as if we have died with Christ. Meaning that our thoughts, wants, desires, and loves all should be of the things above not the way they were before we trusted in Christ (on earthly things).

Certainly easier said than done, not going to lie, but that should be our goal.

See ya Sunday!