~ Are You “With Christ”? ~
The book of Colossians mentions three current connections regarding effective Christian living and a fourth future connection.
Alive with Christ ~ A Christian is a new person—not an improved makeover! A Christian is one who has been made spiritually alive or “born again” (a term used by John, James, and Peter). The Christian is to put to death the old way of life and nurture a new life with Christ.
“You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for He forgave all our sins” (Colossians 2:13). Do you have new life in Christ?
Risen with Christ ~ In order to rise from the dead we first must die. The Christian puts to death his old natural life with its sinful desires and actions. God has given us all we need to accomplish growth in our new spiritual life. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Peter 1:3-4).
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1-2). Where are your affections?
Hid with Christ ~ The world at large does not recognize Christians for who they are—“saints,” and “children of God,” who are also “joint heirs with Christ.” Christians make up the true church—not church buildings—and are commanded to gather together with their fellow Christians (Hebrews 10:25). The world does not understand or see the reality of Christians or the true church of Jesus Christ.
“You died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). Are you sure you are part of the true church of Christ?
Appearing with Christ ~ What a glorious future awaits every Christian!
“When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:4).
Do you know beyond a shadow of doubt that God will recognize you as one of His born-again children and that He will welcome you into His eternal kingdom? This is the most important question any human being can answer!
“When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:4).
Do you know beyond a shadow of doubt that God will recognize you as one of His born-again children and that He will welcome you into His eternal kingdom? This is the most important question any human being can answer!
