What does it mean to be established in the faith (Colossians 2:7)?

The call to be “established in the faith” (Colossians 2:7, ESV) is as relevant today as when the apostle Paul first wrote it. The Christian life involves walking, growing, and standing firm in the faith. Believers must be rooted in Christ and the truth of His gospel. We must be established in the faith.

In the previous verse, Paul writes, “As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him” (Colossians 2:6, ESV). The Colossians had accepted the gospel, so they must live by that truth. The metaphor of “walking” suggests an ongoing lifestyle marked by active obedience and dependence on Christ.

Walking in Christ entails being “rooted and built up in him and established in the faith” (Colossians 2:7, ESV). Paul uses agricultural, architectural, and educational imagery to convey the depth and stability of a Christ-centered life.

Being rooted, built up, and established in the faith protects us from “philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition” (Colossians 2:8, ESV). Paul contrasts the emptiness of human wisdom with the fullness we possess in Christ (verses 9–10). Thus, being “established in the faith” protects us from manipulation, lies, and deceit.

The Greek word translated as “established” in Colossians 2:7 means “being made firm” or “confirmed.” God establishes us through the Holy Spirit, who ensures we “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18, ESV). Knowing Christ is more than accumulating facts about Him; it is also about trusting Him and obeying His commands (John 14:15).

Trust and obedience are necessary to being established in the faith. The word faith here likely refers to the objective content of Christian doctrine, consistent with what we see in 1 Corinthians 16:13 and Jude 1:3. Paul wants us to be firmly grounded in gospel truth, not “tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes” (Ephesians 4:14, ESV).

To be established, then, is to be anchored in Christ and His gospel. It implies conviction, clarity, and commitment. Buildings are set on solid foundations, and trees have roots to withstand storms. Likewise, believers must be grounded in sound doctrine to stand firm in the faith.

Note the progression of metaphors in Colossians 2:7: rooted, built up, and established. This progression suggests mature faith. Conversion marks the moment we are “rooted” in Christ, “built up” implies an ongoing process of sanctification, and being “established in the faith” produces a steadfast conviction in Christ.

Being established in the faith results in joy and gratitude (Colossians 2:7). When we understand the riches of Christ and our secure standing in Him, our hearts will overflow with worship and praise. A grateful heart is a clear sign of being grounded in the gospel.

The need to be established in the faith is evident from Colossians 2:8, where Paul writes, “See to it that no one takes you captive.” False teachers will try to drag us away from Christ. Deceptive teachings often sound plausible, but they are dangerous because they diminish the supremacy of Christ and His gospel.

The Holy Spirit equips us to discern truth from error. Through the Spirit, we learn Scripture, understand sound doctrine, and consciously depend on Christ. As Paul reminded Timothy, “All Scripture is breathed out by God . . . that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17, ESV). Believers are established in the faith by God’s infallible and inerrant Word.