Positioned in Christ with God: Live Fearlessly

Jamie Pantastico writes for Mesa Bible Study

by Jamie Pantastico

On December 5, 2023

In the powerful words of Colossians 3:3, the apostle Paul unveils profound truths that would take a lifetime to unpack, but what stands out and is made clear is our position as believers the instant we believe the gospel—hidden with Christ in God.

 

Studying and deepening our understanding of our current position “in Christ with God” empowers believers to live fearlessly, grounded in the profound truth of God’s Word.

 

‘For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ‘

Colossians 3:3

 

Looking at Colossians 3:3, let’s compare scripture with scripture; it is the only way to study the Word of God.

 

‘For you (#1 believers) died (#2 at the moment a person believes the gospel their sin nature was nailed to the cross and died when Christ died), and your life (#3 “new life” – when Christ died we died when Christ was buried we were buried, when Christ rose from the dead we too were risen with Him victorious of sin, the law, Satan and death to a new life) is hidden with Christ in God (#4 look at our position as believers; we are eternally protected by Christ as the Head of the body in the Kingdom of God).

 

Number One

 

For you,…

The apostle Paul always writes to believers, never to unbelievers.

 

Number Two

 

…For you died,

 

‘knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. ‘

Romans 6:6

 

Number Three

 

…and your new life,

 

‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. ‘

II Corinthians 5:17

 

Number Three: Continued

 

When someone believes the gospel, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, which details Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, they identify with these key aspects of Christ’s redemptive work. In simple terms, through faith, they identify themselves with Christ’s death and burial. Additionally, believers, by identification, share in Christ’s victorious resurrection. Just as Christ triumphantly rose from the dead, conquering sin, the law, Satan, and death, believers, through identification, participate in Christ’s victory. It’s a remarkable truth that resonates with awe and gratitude. The victory that Christ secured becomes a shared triumph for those who believe the gospel—a profound and awe-inspiring reality! Praise God.

 

#3 continuingwe to are victorious

 

‘So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.’

I Corinthians 15:54–57

 

Number Four

 

The believer’s extraordinary position the moment we believe the gospel is…

 

…hidden with Christ in God.

 

‘And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. ‘

John 10:28-29

‘What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’

Romans 8:31-39

 

 

Thank you for reading.

Please consider sharing this post on social media.

 

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.

Z

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)

Z

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?

Z

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 15:1-42cor 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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