“ΟΣ ΕΡΡΥΣΑΤΟ ΗΜΑΣ ΕΚ ΤΗΣ ΕΞΟΥΣΙΑΣ ΤΟΥ ΣΚΟΤΟΥΣ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΤΕΣΤΗΣΕΝ ΕΙΣ ΤΗΝ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΑΝ ΤΟΥ ΥΙΟΥ ΤΗΣ ΑΓΑΠΗΣ ΑΥΤΟΥ” COL 1:13 (SBLGNT)
“He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.” COL 1:13 (RSV)
Using one of the most authoritative Greek lexicons, Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ), renders you some interesting context for the word “transferred” (ΜΕΤΕΣΤΗΣΕΝ).
What Apostle Paul is trying to say is that it’s not just about moving something to another place, or forwards per se. It is God moving us in a manner that is unexpected/surprising.
Even contrary to what is even naturally possible.
Because our sin creates a rift between us and God, this state of being (if you will) prevents us from crossing that uncrossable chasm. We remain in the “dominion of darkness” in our evil ways until God by His power… moves us.
It is God, and Him alone, who has instituted this new life for the saints.
Let’s take that to heart. Celebrate. Praise the LORD for the awesome way that he works in The Church, and among His people called by His name.
