Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations— “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh. If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. (Col 2:20–3:7)
During my youth, I remember singing "If Ye Then Be Risen with Christ," which invited us to reflect on the possibility of being united with Christ. While the verse is posed as a question, its underlying message is clear: we can rise with Christ. The Apostle Paul repeatedly emphasizes this point in his writings, asserting that those who have put their faith in Christ have undergone a spiritual transformation that transcends physical characteristics and takes them to a metaphysical dimension we call the Kingdom of God. This concept is not merely an opinion but is expressed in several passages of the New Testament.
When Paul refers to Christ being raised to the "right hand of the Father," he indicates that Christ was elevated to a place of ultimate authority, the highest authority under God. This passage in Ephesians 2:6 asserts that those who have died with Christ have been raised with him in that same place. This is an exciting prospect for believers. Paul also uses the exact phrase in Colossians 3:1-2 to encourage believers to focus on eternal things rather than temporary worldly pursuits.
The gospel’s transformative power is further emphasized in Romans 6:4-5, where Paul describes being united with Christ in his death and resurrection. This union transforms our lives as we walk in the newness of life. It is not merely a religious life but a new type of life that we have been given. When we encounter Christ, we know that something has happened. John says that when love for people, as defined by 1 Corinthians 13, begins to form, we have passed from death to life and are children of God. This transformation cannot be accomplished through our capabilities, but only through the work of Jesus in our lives. When Jesus, the Prince of Peace, enters the core of who we are, this metaphysical transformation happens. Where there was once unforgiveness, there now resides forgiveness; once there was hate, now there is love; once there was judgment, now there is mercy. Once there was a propensity towards immorality, selfishness, and greed; now, there is a proclivity towards righteousness and holiness.
Finally, the idea of being translated into the kingdom of God is expressed in 1 Peter 2:9, where Peter writes about being called out of darkness and into the light of the kingdom of God. These themes run throughout the New Testament, reinforcing the idea of being risen with Christ, experiencing a metaphysical transformation, and being translated into the kingdom of God. These concepts are central to the Christian faith and highlight the importance of setting our hearts and minds on eternal things.
As we reflect on these powerful truths, let us be encouraged that we are not merely called to follow religious rules, but to experience a genuine transformation through our union with Christ. Let us fix our minds on eternal things and trust in the gospel’s transformative power to shape our lives into vessels of God's love, mercy, and grace. May we walk in the newness of life, knowing that we have been raised with Christ to a place of ultimate authority in the Kingdom of God.
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