Hidden with Christ in God

Colossians Chapter 3 is separated into four sections: 1-4 teaches we are hidden in Christ, taught and encouraged to be heavenly-minded.  5-11 teaches we are to put on the new self in the image of Jesus Christ. 12-17 teaches we are to live in love and unity. 18-25 we are to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. Paul moves on from the controversy discussed in the previous chapter. We hear no more about false teaching. The Apostle has cut his way through the principles of falsity and has had his say in regards to the positive truths which disputes any such error. 

Paul shows that Jesus is the Lord of our way of life. He is the ruler over every thought, word and deed. Because we belong to Him, we should walk in a way that brings glory and honor to Him. Every aspect of our lives, from the things seen in public view, to the hidden secret thoughts of our minds, should be under direction and control from Him. We should walk more in obedience to what the Word teaches. Heaven and earth are contrary one to the other. We cannot follow both together. When we show affection to one, the other will weaken and diminish.

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1-2:

When a person becomes a follower of Christ, he or she is re-born in spirit and truth, crucified and dead to sin. The bondage of sin has been broken and we are free and alive in Christ (read Romans 6). The Spirit of God comes to live inside the Christian believer. The body becomes the home, the temple of the Spirit of God. Because God is holy, we should be holy. Where the Lord makes His home is place of purity and without sin. The Apostle Peter explains it like this:

“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.  As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”  1 Peter 1:13-16.

“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:3-4:

Much of our esteem arises from various aspects of our lives including heritage, gender, possessions, accomplishments and how others perceive us. Yet, when we entered into a relationship with Christ, we “died to this life” and our “real life” began “hidden with Christ in God.” As a follower of Christ, life now rests safely locked away in Christ. He is our life now. This new life in Christ opens up a treasure that changes our soul and our outlook in life. It reiterates the most important truth of our lives; we are bound to Christ forevermore. Just look at what this means for us who now live hidden with Christ in God:

We experience unconditional love. Nothing can separate us from God’s love. (Romans 8:38–39). God chose us and calls us friend (Ephesians 1:4; John 15:15). We have forgiveness (1 John 1:9; Ephesians 1:7). We have an eternal future. We will live forever (Romans 6:23). All the promises of God have a stamped “yes” on them (2 Corinthians 1:20). In Christ, our old disappeared. Newness describes God’s children (2 Corinthians 5:17). God provides for all of our needs (Philippians 4:19). God’s children are sanctified in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:13). We have the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Before God, we have no flaws, no mistakes, no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). We are justified before Him and His righteousness in Christ is imputed to us (Philippians 3:9; 1 Peter 2:24; Romans 1:17). Grace covers us completely (John 1:14; Ephesians 2:8–9; 2 Timothy 1:9).

We made the decision to have Christ “dwell in our hearts through faith” (Ephesians 3:16–19). God’s sovereign work made it possible for us to be united with Christ forever. We are in Christ, our identity is found in Christ, and we are hidden in Christ.

Do you embrace the wonderful truth of knowing how God sees you through the lenses of grace? Are you getting rid of any image of yourselves that does not come from God? Do you reject the feelings, the opinions of others, the labels and even your circumstances, the successes or failures, imposed on you?  Will you start to see how God sees you and accept what God says you?