The Concealed Existence

Colossians 3:3

The Spirit of God attests to the profound and invulnerable assurance of life concealed with Christ in God, a theme consistently emphasized in the Epistles. We discuss the sanctified life as if it were exceedingly precarious; however, it is, in fact, the most secure existence, as it is supported by Almighty God. Attempting to live without God is the most dangerous endeavor. If we are reborn, maintaining a proper relationship with God becomes effortless, while straying becomes exceedingly challenging, provided we follow God's admonitions and remain in the light.

When contemplating liberation from sin, the indwelling of the Spirit, and the pursuit of enlightenment, we envision the summit of a magnificent mountain, lofty and splendid, and we exclaim, “Oh, but I could never reside at such heights!” Upon reaching our destination by divine mercy, we discover it is not a mountain summit, but a plateau offering enough space for existence and development. "You have expanded my strides beneath me."

Upon truly perceiving Jesus, I challenge you to question His existence. When He states, “Let not your heart be troubled,” encountering Him renders it impossible to disturb your thoughts; it is a moral obligation to question His presence. Each instance of personal interaction with Jesus renders His words tangible. “My peace I bestow upon you,” it is a tranquility that encompasses the entire being, from the crown of the head to the soles of the feet, an unyielding assurance. Your existence is concealed with Christ in God, and the unwavering tranquility of Jesus Christ is bestowed upon you.

Colossians 3:3 states, **"For you have died, and your life is now concealed with Christ in God."** This verse is laden with theological significance and offers multiple focal points for interpretation.

### 1. **The Spiritual Demise of the Believer** ("For you perished”)

- **Identification with the Death of Christ**: This term indicates that believers are spiritually linked with Christ in His death. The former self—defined by sin and estrangement from God—has been crucified with Christ.

- **A Novel Identity**: The concept of spiritual death signifies a profound rupture from the previous mode of existence. Believers are now characterized not by their sinful nature or history, but by their renewed existence in Christ.

- **Embracing the Crucified Existence**: The notion of spiritual demise necessitates that believers consider themselves deceased to sin and vivified in God (Romans 6:11). This underscores the imperative to adhere to God's plan and to resist the allurements of the former sinful nature.

### 2. **The Concealed Existence with Christ** ("and your existence is now concealed”) - **Assurance in Christ**: The term "concealed" implies a life that is safeguarded and sheltered in Christ. Believers are securely joined with Christ in a connection that is impervious to worldly influences or condemnation.

- **Spiritual Realities Superseding Temporal Facades**: "Hidden" suggests that the authentic essence of the believer’s existence is not readily apparent or comprehensible to the world. The spiritual essence of a Christian's existence remains hidden from people outside of Christ, yet it is fully understood by God.

- **Intimacy with Christ**: Being "hidden" with Christ implies a profound, intimate relationship with Him, a life intricately connected to His. It emphasizes that a believer's identity is rooted in Christ rather than in worldly possessions.

### 3. **Existence in God** ("with Christ in God”)

- **Unity with the Father and Son**: This underscores the intimate connection the believer shares with both Christ and God the Father. The believer's existence is fundamentally connected to the Trinity; Christ serves as the mediator, facilitating the believer's communion with God.

- **Eternal Perspective**: Being concealed "in God" signifies the eternal, unwavering essence of the believer’s renewed existence. It also serves as a reminder to Christians that their genuine citizenship and hope are in heaven, not on earth (Philippians 3:20).

- **Security and security**: The believer's life, concealed with Christ in God, entails a divine protection and security derived from being firmly situated in God's hands.

### 4. **The Impending Manifestation of Christ** (implied in the subsequent verses) - Colossians 3:4 states, **"When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."** This suggests the forthcoming revelation of Christ, when believers will be entirely manifested in glory with Him. The present "hiddenness" of the believer's existence will yield to a future revelation of their complete identity and inheritance in Christ.

- **Hope of Glory**: The now concealed life will be completely unveiled upon the return of Christ. This serves as a reminder for Christians to prioritize eternal considerations over temporal ones.

### 5. **Implications for Christian Living** - **Revised Priorities and Values**: Recognizing that the believer's existence is concealed with Christ in God alters priorities. The Christian ought to prioritize spiritual truths and everlasting objectives over transient matters or societal standing.

- **Holiness and Transformation**: Acknowledging that the believer's existence is concealed with Christ necessitates a lifestyle that embodies this renewed identity—pursuing holiness, renouncing sin, and conducting oneself in a manner that glorifies God (Colossians 3:5-10).

- **Liberation from Secular Judgment**: As the believer's existence is concealed with Christ in God, they are no longer constrained by the world's criteria for success or evaluation. Their value and significance are grounded in their connection with Christ, rather than on secular accomplishments.

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In summary, **Colossians 3:3** underscores the believer's **spiritual demise** to the former self, their **concealed and safeguarded existence in Christ**, the **everlasting communion** with God, and the **forthcoming manifestation** of that life in glory. These topics significantly impact Christian identity, security, and the manner of living in accordance with God's everlasting plans.

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