“Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:2–3 (NLT), bold and italics mine
Much of our esteem arises from various aspects of our lives—gender, heritage, possessions, accomplishments and how others perceive us. Yet, when we entered into a relationship with Christ, we “died to this life” and our “real life” began “hidden with Christ in God.”
The phrase hidden with Christ in God means our life now rests safely locked away in Christ. He is our life now. We are in Christ and we have all the benefits Christ has as a beloved one of God.
This alone opens up a treasure that changes our soul and our outlook in life. It reiterates the most important truth of our lives—we’re bound to Christ forevermore. Just look at what this means for us who now live hidden with Christ in God:
We experience unconditional love. Nothing can separate us from God’s love. (Romans 8:38–39).
Before God, we have no flaws, no mistakes, no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). We are justified before Him and His righteousness in Christ is imputed to us (Philippians 3:9; 1 Peter 2:24; Romans 1:17).
Grace covers us completely (John 1:14; Ephesians 2:8–9; 2 Timothy 1:9).
God chose us and calls us friend (Ephesians 1:4; John 15:15).
We have forgiveness (1 John 1:9; Ephesians 1:7).
We have an eternal future. We will live forever (Romans 6:23).
All the promises of God have a stamped “yes” on them (2 Corinthians 1:20).
In Christ, our old disappeared. Newness describes God’s children (2 Corinthians 5:17).
God provides for all of our needs (Philippians 4:19).
God’s children are sanctified in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:13).
We have the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Do you believe it? 1 Corinthians 1:30 says God’s sovereign work made it possible for us to be united with Christ (to be in Christ, to have an identity in Christ, to be hidden in Christ) forever. We made the decision to have Christ “dwell in our hearts through faith” (Ephesians 3:16–19).
But do we live like this? Do we embrace the wonderful truth of knowing God sees us through the lenses of grace? Do we get rid of any image of ourselves that does not come from God? Do we reject our feelings, the opinions of others, the labels and even our circumstances—successes or failures— to define us? Do we truly accept how God defines us?
I wish I could honestly say I don’t let the opinions of this world steal my identity in Christ. I struggle with it every day. And I know even then, God hasn’t changed His mind about me. I can still confidently believe what God says about me (and you, too), He is pleased with how He created us.
So what do we have to worry about? What do we have to fear? If God is for us then who can be against us?
Heavenly Father, saturate our minds with the truth of Your Word. Through it eliminate our fears. Make our insecurities melt away. Renew our minds to remember your unconditional love for us and that nothing can separate us from you. Please help us to live like the masterpieces you created. Thank you for your sovereign work. Thank you for loving us exactly the way we are—hidden in Christ in you. Amen.
