Okay, I’ll admit it — there’s a certain danger in reductionism. A risk, when trying to simplify something that is complex, of over-simplifying so that too much is lost. That in trying to put something on the “bottom shelf” for others to grasp — taking something that is phenomenal and making it more fundamental — something high and lofty is surrendered. For example, to say that a nation is simply the sum of its citizens is to potentially lose sight of the dynamics that history, government, and culture play in the identity of a people. So yeah, to simplify something which is wonderful could very well be to understate it woefully.

But not this morning . . .

I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to His saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

(Colossians 1:25-27 ESV)

Christ in you . . .

There it is. How’s that for the gospel in just three words. Pretty simple, huh?

But still pretty profound? I’m thinkin’ . . .

Christ. Second Person of the Godhead. Image of the invisible God. Creator of all things. Sustainer of all things. In everything preeminent. And where is He? In you.

Christ. Immanuel. God with us. Come in the flesh. Come not to be served but to serve others and give His life as ransom for many. The once forever atoning sacrifice for sin. The firstborn from the dead. The living source of the riches of righteousness imputed to all who believe. The ascended High Priest and Mediator. Yet, though now at the right hand of God, He transcends time and space and is also Christ in you.

Christ, the mystery of ages past. Christ, the goal of spiritual maturation as we look forward to an endless age to come. Christ in whom all the fullness of God is pleased to dwell. And, wonders beyond wonders, Christ in you.

That simple?

Really?

Yeah, really!

So go ahead, let it happen. Let your jaw drop to the floor.

And then follow it with your knees and go facedown, worshiping in the wonder of such complex simplification.

Christ in you . . .

The fullness of grace. The hope of glory.

By God’s grace. For God’s glory.

Amen?