Meaning of Colossians 3:4

This verse from Colossians 3:4 speaks to the profound and transformative reality of Christian identity, linking the present spiritual life of believers to a future, glorious unveiling. It asserts that the very essence of a Christian's existence is intrinsically bound to Christ, so much so that when Christ is revealed in His full glory, believers will share in that revelation. This is not merely a future hope but a present reality that undergirds Christian living, implying that the current life lived in Christ is a foretaste and preparation for the ultimate manifestation of His glory and our participation in it. The appearance of Christ is the pivotal event that will bring about the full realization of what it means to be "in Christ," a state that already defines believers but will then be visibly and eternally confirmed.

Context and Background

The letter to the Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul, likely during his imprisonment in Rome, to address a specific set of challenges faced by the church in Colossae. These challenges included a syncretistic form of heresy that blended elements of Jewish legalism, pagan philosophy, and ascetic practices, all of which seemed to diminish the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. Paul's primary aim was to re-center their understanding of faith on the absolute preeminence of Jesus Christ as the Creator, Sustainer, and Head of the Church. He emphasizes that true spiritual life and wisdom are found solely in Him, not in human traditions or speculative ideas. Colossians 3:1-4, in particular, urges believers to "seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God," and to set their minds on these heavenly realities, because their "life is hidden with Christ in God." This verse, therefore, serves as the ultimate rationale for this exhortation.

Key Themes and Messages

• Christ as Life: The foundational truth is that Christ is the believer's life. This is not a metaphorical statement but an ontological one; life, in its truest and most enduring sense, is found and derived from Christ. This implies that apart from Him, true spiritual life is absent or incomplete.
• Future Manifestation: The "appearance" of Christ refers to His glorious return and the final establishment of His kingdom. This event is not just about His visible presence but also about the full unveiling of His divine glory.
• Shared Glory: Believers will "appear with him in glory." This signifies not only their vindication and salvation but also their participation in Christ's triumph and reign. Their transformed state will reflect His glory, demonstrating the redemptive work He has accomplished.
• Identity in Christ: The verse underscores the deep and inseparable union between Christ and His followers. Their destiny is inextricably linked to His.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance of Colossians 3:4 is immense. It provides a powerful incentive for living a life set apart from worldly desires and philosophies, as Paul advocates in the preceding verses. Knowing that our ultimate unveiling is tied to Christ's appearance encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, valuing heavenly realities over earthly pursuits. It offers comfort and assurance in times of suffering or persecution, reminding believers that their present struggles are temporary and will be overshadowed by future glory. The verse calls for a present commitment to living in accordance with our heavenly calling, reflecting Christ's character now, in anticipation of His return. This means actively pursuing holiness, putting off sin, and living by the indwelling Spirit, all of which are expressions of the life we already have in Christ.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a crucial point in the unfolding redemptive narrative. It connects the inauguration of Christ's reign (His ascension to the Father's right hand) with its consummation (His glorious return). It echoes Old Testament prophecies of a coming Messiah who would bring glory to His people and establish an everlasting kingdom. It is also a direct fulfillment of Jesus' own promises, such as in John 14:3, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." The concept of believers sharing in Christ's glory is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, culminating in the vision of the New Jerusalem where God dwells with His redeemed people (Revelation 21:3-4).

Analogies

• The Bride and the Groom: The appearance of Christ can be likened to a groom's return for his bride. The bride, though already betrothed, awaits the moment of public presentation and union, where her identity as the groom's wife is fully and gloriously revealed. Her present preparation and anticipation are all directed towards that final, magnificent unveiling.
• The Seed and the Flower: Our current spiritual life in Christ is like a seed planted in the ground. It is alive, but its full potential and beauty are hidden. The glorious appearance of Christ is the moment of the flower blooming, where the seed's inherent life is fully expressed and visible in all its splendor.
• A Royal Procession: Imagine a conquering king returning to his capital. Those loyal to him, who have endured hardships in his name, are then brought forth to share in the triumph and glory of his arrival. Their recognition and elevation are directly tied to the king's magnificent entrance.

Relation to Other Verses

• John 14:3: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." This verse directly parallels the assurance of future presence and shared dwelling with Christ.
• Romans 8:17-18: "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. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us." This passage emphasizes the inheritance of glory and the present suffering that leads to it.
• 1 John 3:2: "Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is." This verse speaks to the transformation that will occur, making believers conform to Christ's likeness upon His appearance.
• Philippians 3:20-21: "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." This highlights our heavenly citizenship and the future transformation of our bodies to reflect Christ's glorious form.