Raised With Christ

Raised with Christ: Living the New Life

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In Colossians 3:1–11, the Apostle Paul reminds believers that the Christian life is grounded not in striving for acceptance with God but in resting in what Christ has already accomplished. Because we have died with Christ and have been raised with Him, we are called to live out this new identity in practical, Spirit-empowered ways.

“If then you have been raised with Christ…” (v. 1)
This is not a hypothetical but a statement of reality for every believer. Our union with Christ means we share in His resurrection (Eph. 2:5–6; Rom. 6:4–5). Therefore, we are to seek the things above—namely Christ Himself, who is seated at the right hand of God (Heb. 1:3; Ps. 110:1). He is our life, not merely our example or helper.

“Set your minds on things that are above…” (v. 2)
Paul urges us to center our affections and thoughts on heavenly realities, not worldly concerns. As Romans 8:5–6 reminds us, those in the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ…” (v. 3)
Our old identity in Adam is dead. Our true life is now “hidden with Christ in God”—safe, secure, and anchored in heaven.

“When Christ who is your life appears…” (v. 4)
This verse points us forward to Christ’s return. When He appears, we also will appear with Him in glory (1 John 3:2; Phil. 3:20–21). The hidden reality will be revealed fully.

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The Practical Outworking of New Life

Because of our new life in Christ, we are called to put to death the remnants of the old life:

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you…” (v. 5)
Paul lists sins like sexual immorality, impurity, and covetousness—idolatrous desires rooted in self. These are not minor faults; they are the very reason God’s wrath is revealed against sin (Eph. 5:6; Rom. 1:18).

“In these you too once walked…” (v. 7)
Paul humbles us with the reminder that we were once slaves to these sins. But now, in Christ, we are no longer defined by them (1 Cor. 6:11).

“But now you must put them all away…” (v. 8)
A second list focuses on relational and verbal sins—anger, malice, slander. These are to be cast off like filthy garments unfit for one clothed in Christ’s righteousness.

“Do not lie to one another…” (v. 9)
Truthfulness is essential in the body of Christ. We are new creations and must live accordingly (2 Cor. 5:17).

“Put on the new self…” (v. 10)
This “new self” is being renewed in the knowledge of Christ. This is not behavior reform but transformation by grace. We are being restored into God’s image by the Spirit (Rom. 8:29).

“Here there is not Greek and Jew…” (v. 11)
In Christ, all worldly distinctions fade. Ethnic, social, and cultural lines dissolve. Christ is all, and in all (Gal. 3:28). Our unity is rooted in Him alone.

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Living Out What Is Already True

The Christian life is not about earning resurrection life—it is about living in light of it. Our identity is not in what we do, but in what Christ has done. Because we have died and been raised with Him, we now put off the old and put on the new.

Let us then fix our eyes on Christ, seek the things above, and live as those hidden in Him—resting in His grace, walking in newness of life, and rejoicing that Christ is all.