What does Colossians 3:3 mean?

Paul has already noted that believers "died to the elemental spirits of the world" (Colossians 2:20). Here, he repeats the same metaphor. Since believers have "died" to sin, in the sense of being separated from it, the believer's life is "hidden," or "contained" within Christ. In the previous chapter, Paul discussed false teachers who used tricks and deceptive arguments. These men claimed special, hidden wisdom which only they had access to. In contrast, according to Paul, the believer's wisdom is found in knowing the Lord.

More specifically, this letter mentions how wisdom which was once hidden has now been revealed (Colossians 1:26). But this is not only revealed to a certain special few—it is open to the "saints." In the Bible, "saints" is always used as a general term for all who accept Christ as their Savior. Christ is described as the One "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). Christ died for us (Romans 5:6–8). When we put trusting faith in Jesus, we die to sin (Romans 6:2) and are set free from its power (Romans 6:7). Those who die—to the world and to sin—with Christ will also live with Christ for eternity (Romans 6:8).