Faith in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:4)

"[Faith] means to be persuaded that something is true and to trust in it."1 This persuasion is based on credible evidence not emotion, ignorance, or a blind leap in the dark. The lives of people transformed by Jesus are solid evidence that He is real and alive today. The best evidence for "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17). The bible provides all that we need to be reconciled with God and live a life pleasing to Him (2 Tim. 3:14-17).

While we are saved from God's wrath by faith, that faith can't be in anything or anyone we choose. Only "faith in Christ Jesus" will do. "No one comes to the Father except through [Him]" (John 14:6). "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

Reference:
1 The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Colossians & Philemon, John MacArthur

Your Faith and Love (Colossians 1:4)

Paul has prayed and given thanks for the Colossians ever since he heard evidence of their reconciliation with God. The evidence was their "faith in Christ Jesus" and "love for all the saints". People can only be reconciled to God through faith in Christ. How can people determine who has "faith in Christ Jesus"? "By this all will know that you are [Christ's] disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35)

Is there enough evidence in our lives for other's to thank God for us? Is our "faith in Christ Jesus" apparent? Do we clearly show "love for all the saints"?