Colossians 3:4
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Colossians 3:4 (KJV)
Context
The apostle Paul wrote the book of Colossians to the church in Colossae, addressing believers who needed encouragement to live out their new identity in Christ. In the preceding verses, Paul urges them to set their minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God, and to consider themselves dead to earthly desires, hidden with Christ in God. Verse 4 then presents the future hope that motivates this heavenly focus: when Christ appears, believers will also appear with Him in glory.
Meaning
Paul begins by declaring that Christ is our life. This means Jesus Christ is not merely an aspect of a believer’s life; He is the very source and essence of it. Through faith, believers are united with Christ and experience new life in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17). Christ is the author of spiritual life, the fountain from which it springs, and the object on which the saints live. It is not so much they who live, but Christ who lives in them. He is also their eternal life; to know Him now is the beginning of it, and its perfection will come in the vision of Him, communion with Him, and conformity to Him.
Paul then speaks of Christ’s appearing, which refers to His second coming, the future time when Jesus will return to earth in glory and power. The second coming of Christ is a central theme in the New Testament and holds great significance for believers.
Paul teaches that when Christ appears, believers will also appear with Him in glory. This is a reference to the ultimate destiny of believers in Christ. As followers of Jesus, we have the assurance that when He returns, we will be united with Him in a state of glory. This includes receiving resurrected bodies like His and sharing in His eternal, heavenly kingdom (Philippians 3:20-21). The believer’s future glory is directly tied to Christ’s appearing; because their life is hidden with Christ, their glory will be revealed with Him.
Biblical connections
This verse connects to the broader biblical teaching of union with Christ and the hope of resurrection. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Paul describes how the dead in Christ will rise and believers will be caught up together with the Lord. This passage reinforces the certainty and manner of the believer’s appearing with Christ in glory.
Application
This verse carries several important implications for believers:
Hope and Encouragement: The future glory that awaits believers in Christ provides hope and encouragement in the midst of challenges and trials. We can find strength knowing that our current circumstances are temporary, and we have an eternal destiny with Christ.
Kingdom Focus: Understanding that Christ is our life encourages us to live with a kingdom perspective. Our priorities, values, and actions should align with His teachings and His kingdom’s values, rather than being solely focused on earthly pursuits.
Holiness and Readiness: The anticipation of Christ’s return motivates believers to live holy and godly lives, being prepared for His coming. We are called to continually grow in our relationship with Him and to walk in obedience to His Word.
Reflection
Colossians 3:4 reminds us of the central place of Christ in the life of a believer and the future hope of being united with Him in glory when He returns. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, seeking to align our lives with His purposes and eagerly awaiting His coming.
