Dear Questioning One,

You ask a good question and one that many ask. The Apostle Paul answers this question for us in Colossians 3:1-7: 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.

Notice some important words used. IF means when we are born again, we are now in Christ. We must not rely on earthly understanding any longer. We are now to seek the things of Christ and His instructions for life which are found in our manual for success (the Bible)! Read, learn, and obey. It is only when we live our life seeking His ways that we are “hidden” in Him.

It’s important to note that before we became followers of Jesus, we all allowed our flesh to dominate in ungodly behavior in some form as stated in this verse.

When we are “hidden” in Christ, we find our identity, security, and spiritual safety in Jesus rather than in our own efforts. We are to live our life “hidden” in Christ which brings security and protection from the storms of life. Our identity is now in Christ and Christ alone, not in our past failures or mistakes or even successes. We must surrender all we are and all we have to Jesus, letting go of our need to control and completely rely on Christ and His purposes for our life.

We are to live in the assurance and confidence that we belong to God no matter what comes our way. This is so reassuring! This is what “hidden” in Christ means. What a wonderful truth that brings us Hope, Peace, and joy!