“…as the elect of God, holy and beloved…”
Scripture provides many instructions on how to live in harmony with others. Paul taught that in Christ we are “raised to newness of life” (Rom. 6:4) which means to live a different life than our pre salvation life. However, sometimes it is refreshing to sit back and meditate on who we are in God’s sight. Before listing ten plus qualities to “put on” (Col. 3:12-17), Paul reminds us through three words of our special relationship to our God (Col. 3:12). These descriptive words are “elect of God, holy and beloved”.
It is important to remember that we were hand selected (the elect) by God to become Christians (see Eph. 1:4; 1Pet 1:2), which means God really wanted us for his own. We do not understand this selection, but Peter teaches that it was based upon his foreknowledge and will probably be understood in glory. Meanwhile, we can enjoy the concept that God wants me for a son.
Secondly, we are called “holy”. Once getting over the shock that such vile sinners as we are presently called holy, again we can rejoice that we are separated from the world, the flesh and the devil to become God’s “peculiar (personal possession) people” (1Pet 2:9).
Finally, Paul writes that we are “beloved”. We are loved of God. We have been placed into the mainstream of the intense and overwhelming love of God which never comes to an end. We are presently loved as thoroughly as we will ever be–even in eternity!
Christians enjoy a relationship with God in which no other people participate. Having entered into Christ by faith (Eph. 2:8-10), we are elevated to the position of sonship (1Jn. 3:1,2) and enjoy the unconditional love of God. Make this a part of your meditation.