“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love”
(Colossians 1:13 NKJV)

the kingdom of Christ exists today

The context of this passage shows that “He” is God; the “Son of His love” is Christ; “us” (twice) refers to Christians. 

Our salvation, viewed negatively, describes deliverance from satan’s dark domain, enabling us to escape eternal condemnation in hell with the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41, 46).  “The power of darkness” accurately describes satan’s influence on people who are held captive by spiritual blindness, ignorance, hatred, helplessness, and misery.

Our salvation, viewed positively, describes our entrance or transfer into the kingdom of God’s dear Son.  This blessing occurs when He forgives us of our sins.  Verse 14 explains: “in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” 

Since we are conveyed into the kingdom of Christ, we serve Him as our King.  We have become “workers for the kingdom of God” (cf. Colossians 4:1).  His kingdom is not of this world – it is heavenly in origin, spiritual in force, based on truth, and of eternal duration (John 18:36) but already a present state.  He is even now “King of kings and Lord of Lords” (1 Timothy 6:15).

These wonderful spiritual blessings are based on our redemption from sin by the blood of God’s Son (Colossians 1:14). 

This salvation is consummated in heaven.  Colossians 1:5 elaborates: “because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel…”

In heaven our inheritance is laid up, our hope remains, and our Savior awaits.

-- Rick Duggin