Colossians 3:3 says, “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” This verse contains a profound spiritual truth about the identity of believers in Jesus Christ. Let’s break down this verse to understand its meaning.
Context of Colossians 3:3
First, it’s important to understand the broader context of this verse. The book of Colossians was written by the apostle Paul to the church in Colossae while he was imprisoned. In chapters 1-2, Paul establishes the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. Then in chapter 3, he pivots to describe the implications of Christ’s preeminence for how believers should live.
Colossians 3:1-4 serves as a transition summarizing what was said before and introducing what is to come after. Paul says because believers have been raised with Christ, they should set their hearts and minds on Christ and his kingdom rather than earthly things. Verse 3 then provides a crucial rationale for why believers should live differently.
“You have died”
Paul first states, “For you have died.” Every Christian has died spiritually with Christ. When Jesus died on the cross, God included believers in His death. Romans 6:2-7 explains this further: “We who died to sin, how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we will certainly also be united with Him in a resurrection like His. For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.”
The death of Jesus frees and enables Christians to spiritually die to sin and live a new resurrection life unto God. Believers identify with Christ in His death and resurrection. So Paul begins verse 3 by saying because you have died with Christ, your life is now fundamentally changed.
“Your life is hidden with Christ in God”
Paul goes on to say not only have you died, but also “your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Here Paul uses “hidden” to refer to the secure position and intimate union believers have with Christ. Several key implications stem from this phrase.
First, it means the essential life of believers is spiritually bound together with Christ in the presence of God. When Jesus died and was raised, those united to Him were raised up with Him to new life. Ephesians 2:4-6 says: “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” Christians have been spiritually elevated to share in the life of Jesus.
Second, this denotes believers are hidden or concealed in Christ. In the same way Jesus is now hidden from the world seated at God’s right hand, the life of Christians is hidden with Him sheltered from the evil of this age. Colossians 1:5 says God “has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son.” The location and identity of Christians is now hidden securely in Christ beyond the influence of sin and Satan.
Third, it signifies intimate fellowship with Jesus. To be hidden with Christ is to be united together with Him in the closest possible relationship. This parallels the tender analogy of marriage used elsewhere, that Christians are the bride of Christ. Just as husband and wife share an intimate bond of love, believers are connected inseparably with Christ sharing His life.
Fourth, it indicates permanence and stability. The fact that believers are hidden with Christ in God means their position and identity in Christ is fixed and unchangeable. They have been made permanently secure in their union with Him. Nothing can separate them from the love of Christ (Romans 8:38-39).
Fifth, this hiding implies protection. Those who take refuge in Christ are protected by the power of God from all spiritual harm. As Psalm 61:3-4 declares, God is “a strong tower against the enemy…I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.” Christians are shielded by God’s strength.
And sixth, being hidden with Christ means believers are separated from the sinful ways of this world. Colossians 1:13 says “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.” Though living in the world, followers of Christ have been made spiritually distinct unto God.
Summary of Key Implications
In summary, the key implications of the statement “your life is hidden with Christ in God” are:
- Spiritual union with Jesus in God’s presence
- Concealment from the evil forces of this age
- Intimate fellowship with Christ
- Permanence and security of identity in Christ
- Divine protection from all spiritual harm
- Separation from the sinful ways of this fallen world
A New Identity and Calling
Based on this rich theological truth Paul then goes on to say in Colossians 3:5-17 that believers should consider themselves dead to sinful desires and actions and instead live holy lives worthy of their new identities in Christ. Because they are hidden with Christ, Christians should seek the things above rather than earthly things (Colossians 3:1-2). Their lives are now defined by Christ, not by their earthly status or worldly pursuits.
Believers have been decisively changed through their union with Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Christians now have a new status before God and purpose in life defined by Christ. Their lives are hidden securely in Him beyond the reach of the evil forces of this world.
This profound truth provides comfort and assurance. No matter what happens, Christians can cling confidently to the reality that their lives are hidden with Christ in God. They have been brought near to God and united forever with Christ. Nothing can separate them from His love. Their lives are intertwined with Him and the power of His resurrection life flows within them by the Holy Spirit. This is the blessed state of all believers in Jesus.
In summary, Colossians 3:3 teaches that Christians have died with Christ and their real spiritual life is hidden with Him in God. This union with Jesus defines their new identity and calling as children of God. Though living in a fallen world, believers can set their minds on Christ and His Kingdom knowing their lives are now securely hidden in Him. This powerful truth transforms how followers of Jesus are called to live.