Because He Lives | March 26, 2021

BEFORE THE THRONE

OF GOD ABOVE

My life is hid

with Christ on high,

with Christ my Savior

and my God

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

When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

– Colossians 3:3-4 (ESV)

Easter Playlist (Spotify)

What is a Christian? The Apostle Paul would have a hard time answering this question without bringing up union with Christ. If you have repented of sin and trusted in Jesus Christ, Paul says you are “in Christ.”

Christ represents us. Our identity is all bound up in him. We share in his life, death, resurrection, and even his ascension! When Jesus died, your old man of sin died. And when he rose and ascended, you rose spiritually, “and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” And one day, when Christ returns, you will “appear with Him in glory.”

Beloved, union with Christ has radical implications on how you see yourself. No longer view your life through sin, including the devastation and shame of the past. Colossians 3 tells us to now “set our minds on things above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” You are completely safe, hidden in him. He represents you before the Father. The Father sees you in the Son. And you are brought into the love and intimacy of the Trinity itself.

Who are you?

Because he lives… you are in Christ!

Father, we can’t fully grasp that which surpasses knowledge. But we can take you at your word - you have united us to your Son. As we celebrate his resurrection, grant that we see with the eyes of our heart, Christ sitting at your right hand. He is our High Priest who ever lives and pleads for us. We give praise to the risen Lamb, our perfect righteousness. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.

Before the Throne of God Above

I have a strong and perfect plea,

A great High Priest whose name is Love,

Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on his hands,

My name is written on his heart;

I know that while in heav'n he stands

No tongue can bid me thence depart,

No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair

And tells me of the guilt within,

Upward I look and see him there

Who made an end of all my sin.

Because the sinless Savior died,

My sinful soul is counted free;

For God the Just is satisfied

To look on him and pardon me,

To look on him and pardon me.

Behold him there! The risen Lamb,

My perfect, spotless righteousness;

The great unchangeable "I AM,"

The King of glory and of grace!

One with himself I cannot die,

My soul is purchased by his blood;

My life is hid with Christ on high,

With Christ, my Savior and my God,

With Christ, my Savior and my God.