A note from the desk of our Pastor:

“When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”

Colossians 3:4

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

The Apostle Paul often wrote in a legal argumentation style. He establishes layers of truth one verse at a time. In Colossians 3:1 he began by presenting the believer as risen with Christ. In verse 3, it is established that the believer’s spiritual life is hidden behind their natural side. Now, in our study verse this week the Apostle expounds on the revelation of the spiritual life of the child of God.

We will start our examination of this verse with the phrase “who is our life.” It is important to note that the Apostle does not say that Christ gives life but rather that he is our life. The spiritual life of the child of God is intertwined so closely with Christ that he is the animator of the soul. Without Christ, the believer would not have a spiritual pulse. He gives the believer the power to follow after him, to learn of his teachings, and to exhibit his love.

When you remove the non-restrictive element in this verse, it reads, “When Christ shall appear then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” The appearance of Christ refers to the second coming and the general resurrection of the dead. No one, in a natural state, has observed Christ in his divine nature. Only a limited few have observed him in any form. At the second coming, he will appear and be looked on by all of mankind.

Christ will appear with all of his glory in the second coming and throughout all eternity in heaven. As outlined in Romans 8, the children of God will be glorified in their bodies as well. Importantly, the glory that the children of God will have is not a reward but a shared state with Christ. This is a continuation of the Apostle’s argument that we are in Christ and that he is our life. Even in the resurrection we are in him and, therefore, share in his glory.

Verses like this one are excellent choices to study because a lifetime of contemplation will not allow for full comprehension of the beauty and blessings we have in Christ. 

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah