Christ the Life and Hope of Believers
Colossians 3:4
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall you also appear with him in glory.


Paul in the previous verse tells believers that their life is hid. "When shall it be discovered?" they might object. He here tells them.

I. CHRIST IS OUR LIFE.

1. As its author (John 14:6).

2. As its matter (John 6:48).

3. As its exerciser and actor (John 15:5).

4. As its strengthener and cherisher (Psalm 138:3).

5. As its completer and finisher (Hebrews 12:2; Philippians 1:6). This being the case let us —

(1) Not repent of anything done, suffered, or lost for Him. "All that a man hath will he give for his life."(2) Highly prize the Lord Jesus. He is worthy, and consider how highly He prizes you; and a Christ highly prized will be gloriously obeyed.

II. BELIEVERS SHALL AT LAST APPEAR GLORIOUS (Judges 15:14; 1 Corinthians 15:43-44, 51-55; 1 Thessalonians 4:13; Matthew 19:26-28). The reasons are because —

1. The day of their appearing will be the marriage day of the lamb. Mourning weeds will be put off, and glorious robes put on.

2. They shall appear as kings crowned; here they are kings elected with the crown in reversion (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

3. Their enemies and persecutors will see them in their true character as God's favoured ones.

4. Their manifestation will make much for the honour of Christ. The more glorious the body or the bride, the more glorious the head or bridegroom.

5. The wicked will then justify the goodness and mercy of God in His dealings with His people. Objections will then be answered (Job 21:15; Malachi 3:14).

6. They shall be employed in glorious work (1 Corinthians 6:2-3).

(T. Brooks.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

WEB: When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory.




Christ Our Life and Our Hope
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