What does it mean that Christ in us is the hope of glory?

Answer

Colossians 1:27 contains a profound message: “God has chosen to reveal to the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

To clarify, the apostle Paul is addressing believers in Jesus Christ as the “you” in this verse. In the preceding verse, he refers to them as “the Lord’s people” «even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: », (Colossians 1:26). The term “Gentiles” denotes non-Jewish individuals. In the New Testament, a “mystery” signifies something previously concealed but now revealed by God. The once-hidden truth, now unveiled, is that the presence of Christ within us is the basis for our future glory.

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit would temporarily empower certain individuals for service before departing. However, New Testament believers have a distinct experience, as the Spirit permanently resides within us. This enduring presence of the Holy Spirit, bestowed upon New Testament believers, was a “mystery” to those in the Old Testament. Following His ascension, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within us permanently, never to depart (John 14:16-17;16:7). Jesus informed His disciples, “On that day you will understand that I am in my Father . . . and I am in you” «At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. », (John 14:20).

The Holy Spirit seals us until the day of redemption «And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. », (Ephesians 4:30). In essence, the Spirit’s presence is a guarantee of our future redemption.God’s presence in our hearts ensures our ultimate salvation. Although we live in this world, we are not of it, as stated in John 17:16. God will continue working in us until He completes His perfecting work (see Philippians 1:6). This forward-looking assurance of perfection is what is referred to as “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” The J. B. Phillips translation of Colossians 1:27 expresses it as: “The secret is simply this: Christ in you! Yes, Christ in you bringing the hope of all glorious things to come.”

The hope of glory signifies the fulfillment of God’s promise to restore us and all creation (see Romans 8:19-21 and 1 Peter 5:10). This hope is not mere wishful thinking but a confident, expectant, joyful understanding that we are being transformed by God and will one day see Christ face to face, having been molded into His likeness (Romans 8:29; 1 John 3:2).

The hope of glory encompasses our resurrection: “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you” (Romans 8:11). It also includes a heavenly inheritance: “In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you” (1 Pete…

(1 Peter 1:3-4). The Spirit of Christ within us is the “deposit guaranteeing our inheritance” «which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. », (Ephesians 1:14).

Christ’s presence in us is the hope of glory, and this truth is full of “glorious riches.” Our once dead, darkened spirits are made alive. Christ is in our hearts, and we know that there is life beyond this earthly existence—a life that will be glorious beyond all imagination.