What does being "raised with Christ" mean for our spiritual identity? Setting the Context “Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3:1) Paul is writing to believers who already share in Christ’s resurrection life. He moves from doctrine to daily life, grounding everything in the reality that we are spiritually alive with Jesus. Raised with Christ: The Phrase Explained • “Raised” points to a past, completed act—God’s work when we trusted in Jesus (Romans 6:4). • “With Christ” stresses union. What happened to Him now shapes us (Ephesians 2:4-6). • The result: a brand-new sphere of life—heavenly, resurrection-powered, Spirit-enabled. Our New Position in Christ 1. United: We share His resurrection life (Romans 6:5). 2. Seated: Spiritually located “in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 2:6). 3. Secure: Hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). 4. Empowered: The same power that raised Jesus energizes us (Ephesians 1:19-20). 5. Represented: Christ at God’s right hand intercedes for us (Romans 8:34). Key Identity Markers • Children of God (John 1:12). • New creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). • Citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20). • Temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). • Ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Daily Implications • Seek the things above—set your mind on Christ’s priorities, not earthly distractions. • Put off the old self—treat sin as incompatible with your resurrected life (Colossians 3:5-9). • Put on the new self—embrace compassion, kindness, humility, and love (Colossians 3:10-14). • Live resurrection hope—face trials knowing life triumphs over death (1 Peter 1:3). • Serve from victory—ministry flows from what Christ already accomplished (Galatians 2:20). Supporting Scripture Snapshots • Romans 6:11: “So you too must count yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” • Ephesians 2:6: “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” • 2 Timothy 2:11: “If we died with Him, we will also live with Him.” Being raised with Christ means our spiritual identity is forever anchored in His resurrection: alive, accepted, empowered, and heaven-bound. |
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