Q & A – What Does it mean to be “dead” and your “life is hid” in Christ?

You must be referring to Colossians 3:3: “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”

We are told: “The soul that loves God, rises above the fog of doubt; he gains a bright, broad, deep, living experience, and becomes meek and Christ-like. His soul is committed to God, hid with Christ in God.

  • He will be able to stand the test of neglect, of abuse and contempt, because his Saviour has suffered all this.
  • He will not become fretful and discouraged when difficulties press him, because Jesus did not fail or become discouraged.

Every true Christian will be strong, not in the strength and merit of his good works, but in the righteousness of Christ, which through faith is imputed unto him. It is a great thing to be meek and lowly in heart, to be pure and undefiled, as was the Prince of heaven when he walked among men.” The Review and Herald, December 3, 1889.

The following may also help to answer your question: “In the night season I was in a company of people whose hearts were filled with vanity and conceit. Christ was hid from their eyes. Suddenly in loud, clear accents, the words were heard, ‘Jesus is coming to take to Himself those who on this earth have loved and served Him, to be with Him in His kingdom forever.’ Many of those in the company went forth in their costly apparel to meet Him. They kept looking at their dress. But when they saw His glory, and realized that their estimation of one another had been so largely measured by outward appearance, they knew that they were without the robe of Christ’s righteousness, and that the blood of souls was on their garments.

“When Christ took His chosen ones, they were left; for they were not ready. In their lives self had been given the first place, and when the Saviour came, they were not prepared to meet Him.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 81.

“I awoke with the picture of their agonized countenances stamped on my mind. I cannot efface the impression. I wish I could describe the scene as it was presented to me. Oh, how sad was the disappointment of those who had not learned by experience the meaning of the words, ‘Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God’ (Colossians 3:3).” Ibid.

[All emphasis added.]