Colossians 3:4 Refers to the Rapture not the Second Coming

Jamie Pantastico writes for Mesa Bible Study

Written by Jamie Pantastico

On February 11, 2024

Daily Encouragement

Colossians 3:4 is a reference to the rapture not the second coming
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When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Colossians 3:4

 

In Colossians 3:4, is an often overlooked revelation, one that speaks of a future event when believers shall appear with Christ in glory. Colossians 3:4 declares, “When Christ who is our life shall appear, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” The question arises: Is this appearance linked to the rapture or the second coming?

 

The key to understanding Colossians 3:4 is found in recognizing the present reality of believers (those who Paul is writing to at Colossae, and for us today) being hidden with Christ. Paul sets the stage in verse 3, stating, “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” This hiddenness, a spiritual reality experienced by believers the moment they believe the gospel of grace, lays the foundation for the glorious unveiling mentioned in the subsequent verse.

 

Only when a person can distinguish the difference between Peter and Paul, Israel and the body of Christ can one interpret the “shall appear” in Colossians 3:4 as a reference to the rapture. This interpretation aligns with the idea that believers, presently hidden with Christ v. 3, will be revealed or appear with Him in glory at the time of the rapture.

 

The anticipation of this event is echoed in other passages, such as 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, where Paul speaks of the Lord descending from heaven, and believers being caught up to meet Him in the air. This harmonizes with the concept of appearing with Christ, suggesting a distinctive event apart from His second coming.

 

Moreover, the emphasis on glory in Colossians 3:4 resonates with the broader theme of future glorification. The rapture, as the resurrection moment (…in the twinkling of an eye 1 Corinthians 15:51) for grace age believers (both the dead and alive), aligns with the idea of appearing with Christ in glory.

 

Takeaway

 

As we study the full counsel of God’s word, the consistency and rigor of this interpretation becomes evident. Colossians 3:4, rooted in the present reality of believers hidden with Christ, points toward a future manifestation of glory—the glorious unveiling that awaits us at the rapture. This event stands distinct from the second coming, offering grace age believers a blessed hope and assurance of eternity with Christ.

 

Jamie Pantastico
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Jamie Pantastico

Mesa Bible Study

Faith, Sine Qua Non

“What is Not Properly Understood can “Not” be Properly Applied”

 

 

 

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What Saith the Scripture?

Most problems in interpreting Bible passages arise from neglecting a passage’s context. The guiding principle of sound interpretation is to take a passage literally. Not maintaining this discipline, interpreting Scripture becomes made up, man’s idea, fantasy, and the passage can mean almost anything. The result is erroneous and ridiculous interpretations.

Another important principle to sound Bible interpretation is to read Scripture “in-time”. In other words, we have to read and study the Bible as a progressive revelation. Not getting ahead of God’s revelation.

God’s plan of redemption for mankind wasn’t revealed all at once to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, or any of the other old testament prophets. Not even Peter and the eleven were given the full counsel of God. The Lord revealed to each of the aforementioned what they needed at their particular time in Biblical history. A hermeneutical method that does not approach Scripture as a progressive revelation leads to erroneous interpretations.

To be a good bible student one must maintain a literal, grammatical and historical (in-time) hermeneutic. There has been much too much of man’s theology governing Scripture when it is God’s Word alone that reigns over theology.

 

Z

Who's writing?

Identify the author of the book and passage.

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Who is the author writing too?

Who is the audience? Yes, all Scripture is for us but not all of Scripture is directed to us our salvation and doctrine (how to live our daily lives). To say all of Scripture is, is erroneous interpretation.

Z

When was the Book or Passage written?

This is necessary to identify the time and historical context.

Z

What were the circumstances when it was written? (what was going on)

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What was going on before and after it was written?

What happen before and after the particular Book or Passage you’re reading?

Z

What is the HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE VERSE?

Where does the Bible verse fit in Biblical history. Use the answers from the list of these questions to identify the “historical context”.

Z

Are there other passages that the Author has written to help expand on the verse your reading?

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Utilize the full counsel of God to illuminate the passage

All of Scripture fits perfectly.

 

The Good News

salvation

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. You don’t have to do anything but believe by faith that God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead 3 days later.

THE GOOD NEWS

SALVATION

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. SALVATION IS BY FAITH ALONE & FAITH IS BELIEVING WHAT GOD SAYS.

  1. God declares all mankind sinners and we all fall short of Glory of God. Romans 3:23
  2. The payment for our sin is death. Romans 6:23
  3. But God…because he loved you so much sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to die in your place, for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead three days later. 1 Cor 15:1-4; 2cor 5:21

All God asks is that you believe by faith alone in 1, 2, & 3. That you’re a sinner, separated from God but God sent his Son to die for your sins, was buried & rose again 3 days later.

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

Do You Believe?

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