For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Summary: Once again, Paul challenges us to use our understanding to discern what he means by life and death and to figure out what he means by being “hidden with Christ.”
You might remember from our meditation on Colossians 2:20, where Paul says, “Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world …”, that we have already explored the concept of “death” according to the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15: 11-32).
In the story of the Prodigal, he leaves home, and when he does, Dad says his son is now “dead” to him (Luke 15:24,32). Now, he doesn’t mean “dead” in the sense of cutting someone off. Some people say, “You’re dead to me!” as a way of saying, “I hate you!” It is obvious from the story that the dad does not hate his son.
So, here we are again, with the metaphor of “death.” What does Paul mean that our “life is now hidden with Christ” because we “died?”
Personally, I think it works like this:
1. “Life” and “death” are God’s way of describing who you hang out with. If you are hanging out with Jesus and God, then you are alive (John 17:3). If you turn your back on God and wander after the ways of the world like the Prodigal Son, you are dead.
2. “Life” and “death” work the same way in reverse. If we are in the world and we repent and turn back to God, God welcomes us back just as the father in the story of the prodigal welcomed his son back. In this version, we “die” to the world and become “alive” to God.
3. When Paul says we “died,” he means that we have turned our hearts and minds away from the world toward Jesus. As Jesus is with God (Mark 16:19), so are we.
What about the word “hidden?” What does that mean?
The International Standard Version (ISV) of the Bible has what I believe is the best translation:
“For you have died, and your life has been safely guarded by the Messiah in God.”
We tend to use the word “hidden” to describe hiding something. Things that are “hidden” are often associated with secrets. But knowing Jesus is no secret. We want everyone to know! Your “life,” however, that spiritual, invisible side of who you are, is kept safe in Jesus.
Application: Breathe deep and relax. You are safe with Jesus!
Food for Thought: How does knowing our life is safe with Jesus impact our decisions here on earth?
How does knowing our life is safe with Jesus impact our decisions here on earth?
1. We have become a new creation, empowered by God to continue life on earth as His ministers to this world around us.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here. 2 Corinthians 2:17
2. We no longer chase after the desires of our flesh but instead seek to bring God glory in all areas of our life.
And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:17
3. We no longer fear the future.
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father.” Romans 8:15
4. We have no need to judge or compare ourselves to others when we seek to please Christ alone, in whom our identity is secure.
For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. Romans 8
5. We should not be surprised when suffering comes, but we can be confident that it will produce things of eternal value.
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Romans 8:16-17
Nice summation, Ron!
Very well said!!
Good summation R2T2.
I have an unbelieving friend who believes the universe is chaotic and scary. Earth is hurling through space at a high speed with other objects we could collide into at any moment. He admits this causes great fear and anxiety. I see the universe as orderly and the product of a gracious designer.
I cannot and do not share his fear. I am in Christ. My life is full of purpose and I can trust Christ today and forever.
Thank you, Rich.
Interesting contrast! I can relate. My early life was filled with fear. Now, later in life, knowing Jesus as I do, I find myself filled with he peace that passes all understanding.