Note 4 at Col. 1:27: The previous verse stated that this mystery (see note 5 at this verse) was made manifest (see note 3 at v. 26) to the saints. Now Paul is stating that God not only wants us to know this mystery but also "the riches of the glory of this mystery." This is emphasizing that there is more than just a surface understanding of this truth. We need to seek the fullness of this revelation.

Note 5 at Col. 1:27: What God desires for His New Testament saints to know that the Old Testament saints could not know is "Christ in you the hope of glory." The coming of the Messiah was predicted in the Old Testament, but the idea that He would actually indwell us was beyond anyone's imagination. However, the New Testament is clear that Christ, by the Holy Spirit takes up permanent residence in all believers (see note 7 at 2 Cor. 5:17, p. 1005; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; Eph. 2:22).

This is a wonderful truth which some fail to fully appreciate. Solomon said at the dedication of the temple, "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?" We could say, "How much less this physical body?" This is truly amazing!

The Lord's commitment to indwell us and never leave us or forsake us (Heb. 13:5) must be taken as a indication of His great love for us. If we continually thought upon this with all its implications, how could we ever be lonely or discouraged? We couldn't! Depression and self-pity would cease! What would it matter what others thought of us if we truly understood how much Jesus thought of us?

Our attitudes and fears reveal that this revelation of "Christ in us" is not a well established fact in most Christians. However, this verse makes it clear that our Father wants to make "the riches of the glory of this mystery" known unto us. We should all be seeking a greater revelation of this truth.

Note 6 at Col. 1:27: The Amplified translation of this verse reads, "To whom God was pleased to make known how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is, Christ within and among you the hope of [realizing] the glory."

"Hope" was translated from the Greek word ELPIS which means "to anticipate, usually with pleasure." On other occasions Paul said the Holy Spirit was the earnest or down payment of our inheritance (2 Cor. 1:22; 5:5; Eph. 1:14). So Paul is saying that Christ in us is a taste and guarantee of what is to come.