Mindset on Christ

Rick Terletzky
5 days ago
3 min read

Colossians 3

[1] If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. [3] For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

With the use of the word “then”, Paul now shifts the attention of his audience to the practical application of the faith. If we agree with all that has been said up to this point theologically, the conclusion should result in an impacted lifestyle that lives these truths out.

Paul intertwines faith and practice in this passage, showing us that the two are inseparable. If indeed we believe we have been saved by Christ, a future assurance, then a life headed towards that trajectory will bear fruit.

The command to keep our minds centered on Christ is not an arbitrary practice absent from its theology. The presence of a new creation means freedom from the old. The life we live now rests not only in the provision of Christ, but his character as well. We find refuge from the scorching turmoil of sinful nature in this world in the shadow of the cross. As Paul has expressed, our freedom in Christ gives us the privilege to have our thoughts captivated in awe by the goodness and holiness of God.

Once again, Paul breaks down how we can identify with Jesus in his death and resurrection. The outcomes of both are claimed by God.

Death

Both a spiritual death to self and our physical death are surrendered to Christ’s ultimate authority.

New Life

In faith and trust in Christ, who overcame death, we are transformed by resurrection power for us to live united with Him now as a new creation and forevermore.

These are not mechanical conditions of the christian life. They are not a mode of operation which is auto applied, like copy and paste. The means of this union, both in death and resurrection, is held firmly by the personhood of the Son of God. Our union is not to the way in which He saves, but Him who saves.

Death is now liberating, instead of destructive, as it leads the believer to resurrected life. And this is not just in reference to everlasting life down the road. Our union with Christ, placing our old life upon the cross with Him, also means our resurrected life has begun now, free from the captivity of sin.

We are alive as Jesus is still alive and can enjoy seeking the fullness of life found only in Him.

This means as we set our mind on things above we are also waiting for things above. As we abide in Jesus, we are also in anticipation of Jesus. Christ is coming back to close history and restore all of creation. However, we are not waiting alone. Jesus promised that He is with us to the very end of the age; giving us the Holy Spirit as a deposit of what it will be like to be in the presence of the glory of God.

Until we are brought face to face with our Lord, an unimaginable joyous union, our life is (what Paul calls) hidden. It is persevered and sustained with Christ as He sits on His throne with all authority at the right hand of God. Our hope is not wishing that Christ can pull off the everlasting that He has promised. Our hope is awaiting the fullness of His glory.