◄ What Does Colossians 1:25 Mean? ►

Moses was called to be God's chosen servant through whom He gave the ministration of the Law to Israel (a time which is sometimes called the dispensation of the Law). Paul, in like manner, was the God-ordained servant who was entrusted with the administration of God's Word to the Church, which is currently in effect during this dispensation of grace. The dispensation of the Law was for pre-Cross Israel, while the dispensation of the grace of God is for post-Cross Christians and is made up of both Jews and Gentiles.

God commissioned Paul to reveal to the Church, certain aspects of His plans and purposes that had not been revealed to man before.. and so Paul tells us: "I became its minister, according to God's administration that was given to me for you, to make God's message fully known." Paul was given certain information and wonderful truths for all who would believe on the name of the crucified and risen Son of God - truths that had been kept hidden from holy men of God in earlier times - truths that God was to make fully known through Paul.

The administration of the perfect Law which was given to Moses, pronounced sin and death on all, for the Law exposes the sinfulness of man without the means to save him. God designed the Law to show man his sinfulness and recognise his desperate need of a Saviour. But the Law is a vital signpost pointing sinners to Christ Who became the once-for-all sacrifice for sin, and Who alone can remove man from under the curse of the Law, by faith. And Paul was God's chosen vessel to open up certain truths that had been kept hidden from before the foundation of the world.

The character of God, and the plans and purposes which He ordained in eternity past have never changed, nor has the means of salvation been altered, for salvation comes by faith alone in God. However, that which was given to Paul for us in 'the dispensation of the grace of God' gives us a perspective on salvation that was kept hidden in earlier times, but how we praise God for the ministry of Paul who became a minister to the Church to make God's message fully known: "Which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your written Word and the wonderful truths that are contained within its pages. Thank You that You appointed Paul to be a minister for You, to fulfil Your Word. I ask that You would make clear to me the tasks You have for me to do in my life, for Your praise and glory. Use me in whatever way You please, Lord, to further Your gospel and to lift the name of Jesus high. In Jesus' name, AMEN.