What does Colossians 3:3 mean by 'you are dead'?
The phrase means the believer is dead to the old Adamic state—the former life in Adam—not physically dead. That old identity has died with Christ, so the believer's life is now hidden with Christ in God, secure from condemnation.
Les explains that Colossians 3:3's 'you are dead' refers to the believer's old Adamic state, not physical death. He ties it to the believer's union with Christ: having died, been buried, and risen with Him (s589–s592). Because the old Adamic self is dead, the believer's life—both eternal life and this life—is hidden with Christ in God (s635–s640). Les notes that God and Christ are one, so being in Christ means being wrapped up in the Godhead, where nothing can touch us (s641–s650). He connects this to Romans 8: no condemnation for those in Christ (s643–s645) and to Jesus' promise that no one can pluck them out of His hand (s651–s654). Les says this is the full ramification of salvation entered by faith without merit (s657–s662), and he points to verse 4: when Christ appears, believers will appear with Him in glory (s665–s671).
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
More Questions
What does 'your life' mean in Colossians 3:3?
The 'life' in Colossians 3:3 includes both this present life and eternal life.
What does Colossians 3:3 mean when it says you are dead and your life is hidden with Christ?
In Colossians 3:3, 'you are dead' refers to the old Adam nature being dead, and your life is the life of Christ, the new nature, which is hidden with Christ in God.