Colossians 3:3
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:3 (KJV)
Context
Paul wrote this letter to the believers in Colossae to strengthen their faith and correct false teaching. In this passage, he urges them to set their minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). The immediate context contrasts the believer’s old life with the new life in Christ, leading into the next verse, which promises that when Christ, who is our life, appears, we will also appear with Him in glory (Colossians 3:4).
Meaning
Paul begins by saying, “For ye are dead.” This refers to the spiritual death believers experience when they are united with Christ through faith. Before coming to Christ, we were spiritually dead in our sins, separated from God. However, through faith in Jesus, we are made alive in Him, experiencing a spiritual rebirth (Ephesians 2:1-5). This new life is not based on our own efforts or merits; it is a gift from God.
The verse continues, “and your life is hid with Christ in God.” As believers, our new life is hidden with Christ in God. This means our identity and security are found in Christ and are protected by God. Just as Christ’s life was hidden during His time in the tomb, our new life in Him is hidden from the world. Our true identity and purpose are not defined by worldly standards but by our union with Christ.
This hiddenness also points to the intimacy and safety of our relationship with God. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are baptized into one body, the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-13). At salvation, we step into Christ; our history, identity, and security are now found in Him. Our true life is not yet fully revealed but is safely kept with Christ, and it will be manifested when He appears.
Biblical connections
The truth that believers have died to sin and are alive in Christ is closely tied to baptism, which symbolizes the burial of the old self and resurrection to new life. This death is not merely a future hope but a present reality that should shape how we live. We are called to live in a way that reflects our new identity, displaying the fruit of the Spirit and pursuing holiness.
Application
Understanding that our lives are hidden with Christ in God has practical implications. It encourages us to set our minds on things above, seeking the things of God rather than being consumed by earthly desires (Colossians 3:2). It reminds us to prioritize our relationship with Christ, growing in intimacy with Him through prayer, studying His Word, and living according to His teachings. It also prompts us to live in a way that reflects our new identity, displaying the fruit of the Spirit and pursuing holiness.
Reflection
Colossians 3:3 highlights the spiritual transformation that occurs when we place our faith in Christ. Our old life of sin is replaced by a new life in Him, and our identity and security are found in our union with Christ. This truth should shape the way we live, focusing our minds on heavenly things and living in a manner that reflects our hidden life with Christ.
