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Paul has just described Christians as like Christ in his death (2:20), and in the fact that he rose to life (3:1). Next he will show that they will be like Christ at his return (Colossians 3:4; see also 1 John 3:2).
So, Paul tells Christians: ‘You died’. He is referring to the end of their former lives without Christ, at the time when they became Christians (Romans 6:1-4). That should have also been the end of their selfish attitudes and desires (3:9-10). To become a Christian is to be ‘born again’ (John 3:3). So, a Christian no longer lives for himself, but for Christ, to do his work in this world (Philippians 1:21).
After Christ rose from death, he also rose to the highest place in heaven (Acts 1:1-11; Philippians 2:9-11). There, he lives and rules, but this world will not see him until the day of his return. It is as if God the Father has hidden him from them.
So it is with Christians. They already have this wonderful new life that God has given to them (John 10:10). They are already receiving their strength and power from Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9-11; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10). However, this world’s people cannot see it, and they will not see it until Christ’s return. To them, a Christian’s life looks much like anyone else’s life. It is as if God has hidden these things from them. However, a Christian’s experience of life with Christ is real. Psalm 90:1 declares that a Christian’s true home is not in this world, but in God himself. Psalm 91:1 says that a Christian lives under the shelter, the protection, of God himself. God has hidden his people in order to keep them safe until Christ’s return. Then, when Christ appears to rule all things, they too will appear with him.
Next part: In the future age, God's people will share his glory (Colossians 3:4)
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© 2019, Keith Simons.