Hebraic Torah-based reflection on Colossians 1:14
Walking in the Light of the Covenant: Understanding Redemption in Yeshua HaMashiach
Verse Text: Colossians 1:14
"In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins."
;strong>Key concepts: Covenant | Promise | Prophecy | Obedience
Introduction
To understand this verse, we must first look at it through the eyes of a first-century Hebrew. When the writer uses the word "redemption," he is not talking about a magical spell that wipes away mistakes. He is using a very special Torah concept. For a child, imagine a "redemption" like a father paying a price to bring his child back home after they had wandered away. In the Brit Chadashah (New Covenant), which is actually an extension of the covenant made with Abraham, Yeshua HaMashiach shows us how to come back to Yahweh by walking in the way of the Torah.
Analysis
In the Greek text, the word for redemption is apolutrosis. However, the writers were Hebrews, and they were thinking of the Hebrew word Ge’ulah (גאולה). Ge’ulah refers to the "Kinsman Redeemer"—a family member who steps in to help a relative get back their land or their freedom. Yeshua is our Great Redeemer because He is the Mashiach (the Anointed One) of the house of Israel.
Many people mistakenly think this verse means Yeshua "saved" us from the penalty of sin. But in the Torah, the blood of a sacrifice (like the Pesach lamb) was never about "removing sin"; it was about dedication, obedience, and showing that the person was faithful to the covenant of Yahweh. When the verse mentions "the blood," it points us back to the Temple service. The Temple was the earthly dwelling of Yahweh, and the sacrifices there taught Israel how to be holy.
Yeshua did not come to abolish these things. He perfectly observed the Shabbat, the Feasts, and the Temple services. He is the "image of the invisible Elohim" (verse 15) because He is the first human to give "flesh" to the Torah. He lived the Torah perfectly, showing us that the "Word" (which is the Torah) can be fully lived by a human being.
In the context of Colossians 1, Paul is warning the believers not to be fooled by false teachings. He explains that Yeshua is the head of the body and the fulfillment of all things. The "forgiveness of sins" mentioned here is not a license to stop obeying the Torah. Instead, it is the grace that allows the scattered tribes of Israel—both the Jews and the ten lost tribes—to return to the covenant. By following Yeshua, we are "translated into the kingdom" (verse 13), which means we are coming back to the righteous way of living that Yahweh commanded at Sinai.
Yeshua is the Prophet like Moshe (Deuteronomy 18:15–18). Just as Moshe led Israel out of Egypt, Yeshua leads us out of the "power of darkness" (the influence of ha-satan, the adversary) and back into the light of Torah obedience. He does not replace the Law; He fulfills it and extends the covenant to all the children of Abraham.
Conclusion
Colossians 1:14 teaches us that our return to Yahweh is found in Yeshua HaMashiach. Redemption (Ge’ulah) is the process of being brought back into a right relationship with Elohim through a life of obedience. Yeshua is our teacher and example. He showed us that we do not need human rules added by Pharisees, but rather a heart that loves the Torah and follows the Mashiach. By walking in His footsteps, we find the true meaning of forgiveness: the opportunity to start over and live a life that pleases Yahweh.
Blessing or Prayer
May Yahweh, the Elohim of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, open our eyes to the beauty of His Torah. May we look to Yeshua HaMashiach, our righteous Teacher, to guide our steps in obedience and truth. May the scattered tribes of Israel be gathered and restored to the light of the Covenant. Shalom and blessings be upon you.
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