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 but now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. - (Col 3:1–11).
Eschatology, a word commonly used today, means studying the last things or the end times. It refers to the final and eternal state of all things or events leading up to it. While this text may not be among your top 10 favourite passages on end-time events, it contains interesting points that are not immediately obvious but are significant for eschatology. In Paul's mind, this passage speaks to eschatology, and we can learn from it.
Examining the text this morning, we can distinguish two types of conditional rules. The first formula we discussed can be found in the chapter’s first verse, commonly known as the "if-then" formula. The "if" establishes the condition for the "then." The second formula we can identify is the "when-then" formula, which establishes a condition that, when met, will lead to a particular outcome. In this passage, the “when-then” formula is expressed as "when Christ, who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." This verse is familiar to many and can be easily recited, but comprehending its meaning can be a distinct challenge.
What is the meaning behind Paul's statement, "When Christ, who is our life, appears?" Does the phrase "who is our life" express Paul's passion for Christ, in the same way, someone might say, "Golf is my life," with hobbies, likes, dislikes, and choices all influenced by this passion. While this is a possible interpretation, there is more to the phrase when considered within its broader context.
"Who is our life" is meant to be understood metaphysically. Throughout the New Testament, Christ is portrayed as the source and sustainer of spiritual life for believers. He is the "way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6) and the foundation of our hope for eternal life. Therefore, when Paul refers to Christ as our life, he emphasizes the central role that Christ plays in the life of a believer beyond mere hobbies or obsessions.
Furthermore, the phrase "appears" in this context refers to the second coming of Christ, as promised in the New Testament. At that time, those who have put their faith in Christ will be raised to new life and glorified with him. Thus, the phrase "when Christ, who is our life, appears" refers to believers’ future hope and the ultimate fulfillment of their faith in Christ.
This idea is supported by 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, which states: "Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed." This passage speaks of the future resurrection of believers, which will occur at the "last trumpet" and in "a moment." This is consistent with the idea that believers will be raised to new life at the moment of Christ's return.
Similarly, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 states: "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord." This passage also speaks of the future resurrection of believers, which will occur at the moment of Christ's return. It describes believers being caught up to meet Christ in the air and being with him forever, which is consistent with the idea that believers will be glorified with Christ when he appears. Therefore, "when Christ, who is our life, appears” refers to believers’ future hope and the ultimate fulfillment of their faith in Christ.
We encounter a new set of questions when we examine this passage from a broader perspective For instance, we may wonder about the meaning of the phrases "caught up" and "meeting the Lord in the air." Unfortunately, due to the limitations of our discussion today, we won't be able to delve into the various interpretations and views regarding these concepts.
We aim to examine the text without imposing our opinions or eschatological theories onto it. Does this approach provide us with a comprehensive understanding of Christ's return? No, but it does bring to light a few key points that we can use as helpful resources as we seek to comprehend better what the Bible teaches about eschatology.
Eschatology is a complex and often debated topic within Christian theology, but it is also an essential aspect of our faith. Understanding the ultimate fulfillment of our hope in Christ and the promise of eternal life is crucial for our spiritual growth and perseverance. As we continue to study and reflect on eschatology, let us approach the text with an open mind, seeking to understand its meaning within its historical and theological context. May we also remember that our hope is in Christ, who is our life, and may we eagerly await his return with faith and anticipation.
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