*This is a slightly edited repost from February 6, 2019.  I pray you find it helpful. 

Russian nesting dolls consists of a wooden figure, which separates top from bottom, to reveal a smaller figure of the same sort inside.  This smaller figure, in turn, reveals another figure inside of it.  You start with a large wooden figure and you end with the tiny figure that took great skill to paint.

Perhaps you own a set. Perhaps, like me, you were fascinated with the concept as a young child.

The Russian nesting doll is a tremendous illustration of being “hidden with Christ in God.” Imagine the church hidden in Christ with God.  Imagine you hidden with Christ in God.

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

Colossians 3:3

This verse reminded the Colossians, and reminds every person reading this post, that being raised with Christ means your life is “hidden” with Christ.

The Colossians died alongside Christ.  The Colossians were buried alongside Christ.  The Colossians rose from the grave alongside Christ.  This message should bring a tremendous amount of comfort to the follower of Jesus who knows that their sin-stained life is now hidden in the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

You are hidden in Jesus Christ the moment you acknowledge your need for a Savior and give your life to the Savior of the world.

This is a tremendous theological truth that comes with practical power.   The following points are simple.  May you have hearts to receive them.

TO BE HIDDEN WITH CHRIST MEANS YOU CAN FACE ACCUSATION WITH CONFIDENCE.

Others might say of you: You’re a failure. You’re a drunk.  You’re worthless. 

You might say of yourself: I’m a poor husband.  I’m a bad mom.  I’m worthless.  

For those who have been raised with Christ, these accusations are empty.  Your identity comes from the death, burial, resurrection of Jesus.  You are hidden in Christ.

TO BE HIDDEN WITH CHRIST MEANS YOU CAN FACE DOUBT WITH ASSURANCE.

When you’re all alone you might ask: Does God love me? Am I forgiven?  Have I messed up too much?  Too often?

For those who have been raised with Christ, these doubts are empty.  Your sin is forgiven through the death, burial and resurrection.  You are hidden in Christ.

TO BE HIDDEN WITH CHRIST MEANS YOU CAN FACE HEARTACHE AND HEARTBREAK WITH HOPE.

You might look at your life and announce:  This is awful! This is devastating!  This is unbearable!

For those who have been raised with Christ, your present pain is of no comparison with the power of God.  Your earthly surroundings are of no comparison to eternity to come.  You are hidden in Christ and await eternal life.

The old hymn reminds us:

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine;
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.