I once was lost

Paul makes a personal application of Christ's mighty work of reconciliation to the Colossians, pressing the truth home upon their consciences. He reminds them plainly that they once were alienated from God, in a persistent condition of estrangement, and so without joy and without hope, a bleak and blighted life.

Furthermore, they were enemies of God, manifesting an active hostility toward him from the core of their being outward.

Even in this declaration there is hope, for every Christian was once such a man or woman, and that means that there is hope even for those who are now what we were once.

Our dire previous condition throws the power and wonder of God's reconciliation into sharp and bright relief.